1. SIDBI signs $543-mn loan pacts with World Bank
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed two agreements worth $500 million and $43 million with the World Bank, which will immensely benefit the MSMEs of the country.
The first agreement on MSME Growth, Innovation and Inclusive Finance Project for start-ups with a line of credit of $500 million is for risk capital finance, and for financing to service sectors and manufacturing MSMEs.The project also targets women entrepreneurs (20 per cent of the project) and units in underserved (low income) states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (25% of assisted units from low-income states).
The second agreement is Partial Risk Sharing Facility for Energy Efficiency (PRSF) project with a total outlay of $43 million consisting of guarantee fund corpus of $37 million, technical assistance of $4 million and $2 million to be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.
The objective of the project is to support the Government of India's efforts to transform the energy efficiency (EE) market in India by promoting increased level of EE investments, particularly through energy service performance contracting (ESPC) delivered through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
2. Corporation Bank, LIC ink MoU for implementing PM Jeevan Jyoti scheme
Corporation Bank and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Mangaluru on Monday for implementing ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ (PMJJBY), the central government’s scheme to bring the entire nation under the ambit of insurance coverage.
Under PMJJBY, Corporation Bank’s Aadhar-linked savings account holders will be eligible for life insurance up to ₹2 lakh for a premium of ₹330 (plus service tax) per annum. According to the press release, a master policy under ‘Group Insurance Scheme’, which is voluntary for the customers, will be issued by LIC. The eligible age of the customer shall be between 18 years and 50 years. Enrolment period will be from first June to August 31 2015 or as extended by the Govt, it said.
3. Australia's IAG to raise stake in SBI General Insurance to 49 percent
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) announced that it will raise its stake in SBI General Insurance (SBIGI) from 26 percent to 49 percent.
IAG decided to increase its stake in SBIGI in the backdrop of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was passed in the Parliament in March 2015. The bill seeks to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent.
SBI General Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India and IAG of Australia. It started operations in 2010. This decision of IAG will lead to dilution of SBI’s 76 percent stake in SBI General Insurance to 51 percent.
4. God’s Bankers authored by Gerald Posner released
Book titled God's Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican authored by Gerald Posner was released on 3 February 2015. Posner is an American investigative journalist and an author, through this book he has tried to present the secret side of the 200-year history of Vatican finances and the Vatican Bank, the Catholic Church's completely independent financial institution.
The book is about the church’s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. It talks about the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. It displays with extraordinary precision how the Vatican has evolved from a foundation of faith to a corporation of extreme wealth and power.
5. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema at a ceremonial parade held at the Naval base in Kochi. Prior to assuming command, Vice Admiral Lanba laid a wreath at the War Memorial.Vice Admiral Cheema will now assume the charge of the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command on 31 March 2015 on the retirement of the present incumbent, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chopra.
6. Daniel Vettori retired from all forms of International Cricket
Daniel Vettori, the cricketer of New Zealand retired from all forms of International Cricket. The veteran spinner officially announced his retirement after the final match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In his final match against Australia, he scored nine runs and took 0-25 from five overs. But his 13 wickets and his economy rate throughout the tournament helped New Zealand in qualifying for the World Cup final for the first time.
His decision gave an end to his 18-year long career that began when he was 18.
7. Himachal Pradesh Government launched India’s first e-Vidhan Mobile app
Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh launched part one of e-Vidhan Mobile app. The app could be accessed by all the members 45 minutes before the question hours on android and tablets having information about the day business.
With this launch, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became the first state assembly in the country to launch e-Vidhan Mobile app. This e-Vidhan system will help the state to save about 8 crore rupees per annum that is spent on the paper.
Features of the e-Vidhan Mobile app
• The information provided on the app could be corrected on line.
• The bills introduced or laid for discussion will also be made available to the members.
• The reports lay in the house by the committees, information about government notification, budget speech and salary and perks' drawn by members could be view on the apps.
• The wi-fi service will be made available to the members in side assembly complex during the session.
• It will give notifications of the Vidhan Sabha’s press releases, bulletins, budget speeches, documents and the bills tabled in the House.
8. Gujarat passes controversial anti-terror bill
The Gujarat Assembly on Monday passed the controversial anti-terror bill, the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill, 2015, amid strong objection from the Opposition Congress. The bill was passed as the Opposition staged a walk-out as a mark of protest.
First introduced as the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Bill (GUJCOC) in 2003 under then chief minister, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was returned by two Presidents in its previous forms.
Gujarat Home Minister Rajani Patel claimed the bill to be in the interest of the common man and the security of the nation at large. "The present acts have limitations to deal with organised crime and terror activities. This necessitated a specific law to deal with such crimes."
The bill makes confessions made before the police admissible in court and empowers law enforcing authorities to intercept and record phone calls as evidence. The Bill provides for extension of the period of investigation from the stipulated 90 days to 180 days. Further, it makes offences under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, a non-bailable offence. The bill puts the onus of proving the innocence on the accused.
9. Union Cabinet gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti: National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0. e-Kranti is an important pillar of the Digital India programme and the programme has been envisaged by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
Objectives of e-Kranti
• To redefine NeGP with transformational and outcome oriented e-Governance initiatives.
• To enhance the portfolio of citizen centric services.
• To ensure optimum usage of core Information & Communication Technology (ICT).
• To promote rapid replication and integration of eGov applications.
• To leverage emerging technologies.
• To make use of more agile implementation models.
Key principles of e-Kranti
• Transformation and not Translation
• Integrated Services and not Individual Services
• Government Process Reengineering (GPR) to be mandatory in every Mission Mode Projects (MMPs)
• ICT Infrastructure on Demand
• Cloud by Default
• Mobile First
• Fast Tracking Approvals
• Mandating Standards and Protocols
• Language Localization
• National GIS (Geo-Spatial Information System)
• Security and Electronic Data Preservation
The e-Kranti Mission is to ensure a Government wide transformation by delivering all Government services electronically to citizens through integrated and interoperable systems via multiple modes, while ensuring efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs.
Key components of the management structure would consist of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for according approval to projects according to the financial provisions, a Monitoring Committee on Digital India headed by the Prime Minister, Digital India Advisory Group chaired by the Minister of Communications and IT, an Apex Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) / Committee on Non Plan Expenditure (CNE).
The Apex Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary would undertake addition / deletion of MMPs which are considered to be appropriate and resolve inter-Ministerial issues.
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed two agreements worth $500 million and $43 million with the World Bank, which will immensely benefit the MSMEs of the country.
The first agreement on MSME Growth, Innovation and Inclusive Finance Project for start-ups with a line of credit of $500 million is for risk capital finance, and for financing to service sectors and manufacturing MSMEs.The project also targets women entrepreneurs (20 per cent of the project) and units in underserved (low income) states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (25% of assisted units from low-income states).The second agreement is Partial Risk Sharing Facility for Energy Efficiency (PRSF) project with a total outlay of $43 million consisting of guarantee fund corpus of $37 million, technical assistance of $4 million and $2 million to be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.
The objective of the project is to support the Government of India's efforts to transform the energy efficiency (EE) market in India by promoting increased level of EE investments, particularly through energy service performance contracting (ESPC) delivered through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
2. Corporation Bank, LIC ink MoU for implementing PM Jeevan Jyoti scheme
Corporation Bank and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Mangaluru on Monday for implementing ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ (PMJJBY), the central government’s scheme to bring the entire nation under the ambit of insurance coverage.
Under PMJJBY, Corporation Bank’s Aadhar-linked savings account holders will be eligible for life insurance up to ₹2 lakh for a premium of ₹330 (plus service tax) per annum. According to the press release, a master policy under ‘Group Insurance Scheme’, which is voluntary for the customers, will be issued by LIC. The eligible age of the customer shall be between 18 years and 50 years. Enrolment period will be from first June to August 31 2015 or as extended by the Govt, it said.
3. Australia's IAG to raise stake in SBI General Insurance to 49 percent
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) announced that it will raise its stake in SBI General Insurance (SBIGI) from 26 percent to 49 percent.
IAG decided to increase its stake in SBIGI in the backdrop of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was passed in the Parliament in March 2015. The bill seeks to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent.
SBI General Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India and IAG of Australia. It started operations in 2010. This decision of IAG will lead to dilution of SBI’s 76 percent stake in SBI General Insurance to 51 percent.
4. God’s Bankers authored by Gerald Posner released
Book titled God's Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican authored by Gerald Posner was released on 3 February 2015. Posner is an American investigative journalist and an author, through this book he has tried to present the secret side of the 200-year history of Vatican finances and the Vatican Bank, the Catholic Church's completely independent financial institution.
The book is about the church’s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. It talks about the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. It displays with extraordinary precision how the Vatican has evolved from a foundation of faith to a corporation of extreme wealth and power.
5. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema at a ceremonial parade held at the Naval base in Kochi. Prior to assuming command, Vice Admiral Lanba laid a wreath at the War Memorial.Vice Admiral Cheema will now assume the charge of the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command on 31 March 2015 on the retirement of the present incumbent, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chopra.
6. Daniel Vettori retired from all forms of International Cricket
Daniel Vettori, the cricketer of New Zealand retired from all forms of International Cricket. The veteran spinner officially announced his retirement after the final match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In his final match against Australia, he scored nine runs and took 0-25 from five overs. But his 13 wickets and his economy rate throughout the tournament helped New Zealand in qualifying for the World Cup final for the first time.
His decision gave an end to his 18-year long career that began when he was 18.
7. Himachal Pradesh Government launched India’s first e-Vidhan Mobile app
Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh launched part one of e-Vidhan Mobile app. The app could be accessed by all the members 45 minutes before the question hours on android and tablets having information about the day business.
With this launch, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became the first state assembly in the country to launch e-Vidhan Mobile app. This e-Vidhan system will help the state to save about 8 crore rupees per annum that is spent on the paper.
Features of the e-Vidhan Mobile app
• The information provided on the app could be corrected on line.
• The bills introduced or laid for discussion will also be made available to the members.
• The reports lay in the house by the committees, information about government notification, budget speech and salary and perks' drawn by members could be view on the apps.
• The wi-fi service will be made available to the members in side assembly complex during the session.
• It will give notifications of the Vidhan Sabha’s press releases, bulletins, budget speeches, documents and the bills tabled in the House.
8. Gujarat passes controversial anti-terror bill
The Gujarat Assembly on Monday passed the controversial anti-terror bill, the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill, 2015, amid strong objection from the Opposition Congress. The bill was passed as the Opposition staged a walk-out as a mark of protest.
First introduced as the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Bill (GUJCOC) in 2003 under then chief minister, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was returned by two Presidents in its previous forms.
Gujarat Home Minister Rajani Patel claimed the bill to be in the interest of the common man and the security of the nation at large. "The present acts have limitations to deal with organised crime and terror activities. This necessitated a specific law to deal with such crimes."
The bill makes confessions made before the police admissible in court and empowers law enforcing authorities to intercept and record phone calls as evidence. The Bill provides for extension of the period of investigation from the stipulated 90 days to 180 days. Further, it makes offences under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, a non-bailable offence. The bill puts the onus of proving the innocence on the accused.
9. Union Cabinet gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti: National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0. e-Kranti is an important pillar of the Digital India programme and the programme has been envisaged by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
Objectives of e-Kranti
• To redefine NeGP with transformational and outcome oriented e-Governance initiatives.
• To enhance the portfolio of citizen centric services.
• To ensure optimum usage of core Information & Communication Technology (ICT).
• To promote rapid replication and integration of eGov applications.
• To leverage emerging technologies.
• To make use of more agile implementation models.
Key principles of e-Kranti
• Transformation and not Translation
• Integrated Services and not Individual Services
• Government Process Reengineering (GPR) to be mandatory in every Mission Mode Projects (MMPs)
• ICT Infrastructure on Demand
• Cloud by Default
• Mobile First
• Fast Tracking Approvals
• Mandating Standards and Protocols
• Language Localization
• National GIS (Geo-Spatial Information System)
• Security and Electronic Data Preservation
The e-Kranti Mission is to ensure a Government wide transformation by delivering all Government services electronically to citizens through integrated and interoperable systems via multiple modes, while ensuring efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs.
Key components of the management structure would consist of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for according approval to projects according to the financial provisions, a Monitoring Committee on Digital India headed by the Prime Minister, Digital India Advisory Group chaired by the Minister of Communications and IT, an Apex Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) / Committee on Non Plan Expenditure (CNE).
The Apex Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary would undertake addition / deletion of MMPs which are considered to be appropriate and resolve inter-Ministerial issues.
1. SIDBI signs $543-mn loan pacts with World Bank
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed two agreements worth $500 million and $43 million with the World Bank, which will immensely benefit the MSMEs of the country.
The first agreement on MSME Growth, Innovation and Inclusive Finance Project for start-ups with a line of credit of $500 million is for risk capital finance, and for financing to service sectors and manufacturing MSMEs.The project also targets women entrepreneurs (20 per cent of the project) and units in underserved (low income) states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (25% of assisted units from low-income states).
The second agreement is Partial Risk Sharing Facility for Energy Efficiency (PRSF) project with a total outlay of $43 million consisting of guarantee fund corpus of $37 million, technical assistance of $4 million and $2 million to be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.
The objective of the project is to support the Government of India's efforts to transform the energy efficiency (EE) market in India by promoting increased level of EE investments, particularly through energy service performance contracting (ESPC) delivered through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
2. Corporation Bank, LIC ink MoU for implementing PM Jeevan Jyoti scheme
Corporation Bank and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Mangaluru on Monday for implementing ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ (PMJJBY), the central government’s scheme to bring the entire nation under the ambit of insurance coverage.
Under PMJJBY, Corporation Bank’s Aadhar-linked savings account holders will be eligible for life insurance up to ₹2 lakh for a premium of ₹330 (plus service tax) per annum. According to the press release, a master policy under ‘Group Insurance Scheme’, which is voluntary for the customers, will be issued by LIC. The eligible age of the customer shall be between 18 years and 50 years. Enrolment period will be from first June to August 31 2015 or as extended by the Govt, it said.
3. Australia's IAG to raise stake in SBI General Insurance to 49 percent
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) announced that it will raise its stake in SBI General Insurance (SBIGI) from 26 percent to 49 percent.
IAG decided to increase its stake in SBIGI in the backdrop of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was passed in the Parliament in March 2015. The bill seeks to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent.
SBI General Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India and IAG of Australia. It started operations in 2010. This decision of IAG will lead to dilution of SBI’s 76 percent stake in SBI General Insurance to 51 percent.
4. God’s Bankers authored by Gerald Posner released
Book titled God's Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican authored by Gerald Posner was released on 3 February 2015. Posner is an American investigative journalist and an author, through this book he has tried to present the secret side of the 200-year history of Vatican finances and the Vatican Bank, the Catholic Church's completely independent financial institution.
The book is about the church’s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. It talks about the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. It displays with extraordinary precision how the Vatican has evolved from a foundation of faith to a corporation of extreme wealth and power.
5. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema at a ceremonial parade held at the Naval base in Kochi. Prior to assuming command, Vice Admiral Lanba laid a wreath at the War Memorial.Vice Admiral Cheema will now assume the charge of the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command on 31 March 2015 on the retirement of the present incumbent, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chopra.
6. Daniel Vettori retired from all forms of International Cricket
Daniel Vettori, the cricketer of New Zealand retired from all forms of International Cricket. The veteran spinner officially announced his retirement after the final match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In his final match against Australia, he scored nine runs and took 0-25 from five overs. But his 13 wickets and his economy rate throughout the tournament helped New Zealand in qualifying for the World Cup final for the first time.
His decision gave an end to his 18-year long career that began when he was 18.
7. Himachal Pradesh Government launched India’s first e-Vidhan Mobile app
Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh launched part one of e-Vidhan Mobile app. The app could be accessed by all the members 45 minutes before the question hours on android and tablets having information about the day business.
With this launch, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became the first state assembly in the country to launch e-Vidhan Mobile app. This e-Vidhan system will help the state to save about 8 crore rupees per annum that is spent on the paper.
Features of the e-Vidhan Mobile app
• The information provided on the app could be corrected on line.
• The bills introduced or laid for discussion will also be made available to the members.
• The reports lay in the house by the committees, information about government notification, budget speech and salary and perks' drawn by members could be view on the apps.
• The wi-fi service will be made available to the members in side assembly complex during the session.
• It will give notifications of the Vidhan Sabha’s press releases, bulletins, budget speeches, documents and the bills tabled in the House.
8. Gujarat passes controversial anti-terror bill
The Gujarat Assembly on Monday passed the controversial anti-terror bill, the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill, 2015, amid strong objection from the Opposition Congress. The bill was passed as the Opposition staged a walk-out as a mark of protest.
First introduced as the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Bill (GUJCOC) in 2003 under then chief minister, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was returned by two Presidents in its previous forms.
Gujarat Home Minister Rajani Patel claimed the bill to be in the interest of the common man and the security of the nation at large. "The present acts have limitations to deal with organised crime and terror activities. This necessitated a specific law to deal with such crimes."
The bill makes confessions made before the police admissible in court and empowers law enforcing authorities to intercept and record phone calls as evidence. The Bill provides for extension of the period of investigation from the stipulated 90 days to 180 days. Further, it makes offences under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, a non-bailable offence. The bill puts the onus of proving the innocence on the accused.
9. Union Cabinet gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti: National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0. e-Kranti is an important pillar of the Digital India programme and the programme has been envisaged by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
Objectives of e-Kranti
• To redefine NeGP with transformational and outcome oriented e-Governance initiatives.
• To enhance the portfolio of citizen centric services.
• To ensure optimum usage of core Information & Communication Technology (ICT).
• To promote rapid replication and integration of eGov applications.
• To leverage emerging technologies.
• To make use of more agile implementation models.
Key principles of e-Kranti
• Transformation and not Translation
• Integrated Services and not Individual Services
• Government Process Reengineering (GPR) to be mandatory in every Mission Mode Projects (MMPs)
• ICT Infrastructure on Demand
• Cloud by Default
• Mobile First
• Fast Tracking Approvals
• Mandating Standards and Protocols
• Language Localization
• National GIS (Geo-Spatial Information System)
• Security and Electronic Data Preservation
The e-Kranti Mission is to ensure a Government wide transformation by delivering all Government services electronically to citizens through integrated and interoperable systems via multiple modes, while ensuring efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs.
Key components of the management structure would consist of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for according approval to projects according to the financial provisions, a Monitoring Committee on Digital India headed by the Prime Minister, Digital India Advisory Group chaired by the Minister of Communications and IT, an Apex Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) / Committee on Non Plan Expenditure (CNE).
The Apex Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary would undertake addition / deletion of MMPs which are considered to be appropriate and resolve inter-Ministerial issues.
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed two agreements worth $500 million and $43 million with the World Bank, which will immensely benefit the MSMEs of the country.
The first agreement on MSME Growth, Innovation and Inclusive Finance Project for start-ups with a line of credit of $500 million is for risk capital finance, and for financing to service sectors and manufacturing MSMEs.The project also targets women entrepreneurs (20 per cent of the project) and units in underserved (low income) states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (25% of assisted units from low-income states).The second agreement is Partial Risk Sharing Facility for Energy Efficiency (PRSF) project with a total outlay of $43 million consisting of guarantee fund corpus of $37 million, technical assistance of $4 million and $2 million to be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.
The objective of the project is to support the Government of India's efforts to transform the energy efficiency (EE) market in India by promoting increased level of EE investments, particularly through energy service performance contracting (ESPC) delivered through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).
2. Corporation Bank, LIC ink MoU for implementing PM Jeevan Jyoti scheme
Corporation Bank and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Mangaluru on Monday for implementing ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ (PMJJBY), the central government’s scheme to bring the entire nation under the ambit of insurance coverage.
Under PMJJBY, Corporation Bank’s Aadhar-linked savings account holders will be eligible for life insurance up to ₹2 lakh for a premium of ₹330 (plus service tax) per annum. According to the press release, a master policy under ‘Group Insurance Scheme’, which is voluntary for the customers, will be issued by LIC. The eligible age of the customer shall be between 18 years and 50 years. Enrolment period will be from first June to August 31 2015 or as extended by the Govt, it said.
3. Australia's IAG to raise stake in SBI General Insurance to 49 percent
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG) announced that it will raise its stake in SBI General Insurance (SBIGI) from 26 percent to 49 percent.
IAG decided to increase its stake in SBIGI in the backdrop of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was passed in the Parliament in March 2015. The bill seeks to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent.
SBI General Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India and IAG of Australia. It started operations in 2010. This decision of IAG will lead to dilution of SBI’s 76 percent stake in SBI General Insurance to 51 percent.
4. God’s Bankers authored by Gerald Posner released
Book titled God's Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican authored by Gerald Posner was released on 3 February 2015. Posner is an American investigative journalist and an author, through this book he has tried to present the secret side of the 200-year history of Vatican finances and the Vatican Bank, the Catholic Church's completely independent financial institution.
The book is about the church’s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. It talks about the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. It displays with extraordinary precision how the Vatican has evolved from a foundation of faith to a corporation of extreme wealth and power.
5. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema at a ceremonial parade held at the Naval base in Kochi. Prior to assuming command, Vice Admiral Lanba laid a wreath at the War Memorial.Vice Admiral Cheema will now assume the charge of the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command on 31 March 2015 on the retirement of the present incumbent, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chopra.
6. Daniel Vettori retired from all forms of International Cricket
Daniel Vettori, the cricketer of New Zealand retired from all forms of International Cricket. The veteran spinner officially announced his retirement after the final match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. In his final match against Australia, he scored nine runs and took 0-25 from five overs. But his 13 wickets and his economy rate throughout the tournament helped New Zealand in qualifying for the World Cup final for the first time.
His decision gave an end to his 18-year long career that began when he was 18.
7. Himachal Pradesh Government launched India’s first e-Vidhan Mobile app
Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh launched part one of e-Vidhan Mobile app. The app could be accessed by all the members 45 minutes before the question hours on android and tablets having information about the day business.
With this launch, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha became the first state assembly in the country to launch e-Vidhan Mobile app. This e-Vidhan system will help the state to save about 8 crore rupees per annum that is spent on the paper.
Features of the e-Vidhan Mobile app
• The information provided on the app could be corrected on line.
• The bills introduced or laid for discussion will also be made available to the members.
• The reports lay in the house by the committees, information about government notification, budget speech and salary and perks' drawn by members could be view on the apps.
• The wi-fi service will be made available to the members in side assembly complex during the session.
• It will give notifications of the Vidhan Sabha’s press releases, bulletins, budget speeches, documents and the bills tabled in the House.
8. Gujarat passes controversial anti-terror bill
The Gujarat Assembly on Monday passed the controversial anti-terror bill, the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill, 2015, amid strong objection from the Opposition Congress. The bill was passed as the Opposition staged a walk-out as a mark of protest.
First introduced as the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Bill (GUJCOC) in 2003 under then chief minister, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was returned by two Presidents in its previous forms.
Gujarat Home Minister Rajani Patel claimed the bill to be in the interest of the common man and the security of the nation at large. "The present acts have limitations to deal with organised crime and terror activities. This necessitated a specific law to deal with such crimes."
The bill makes confessions made before the police admissible in court and empowers law enforcing authorities to intercept and record phone calls as evidence. The Bill provides for extension of the period of investigation from the stipulated 90 days to 180 days. Further, it makes offences under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, a non-bailable offence. The bill puts the onus of proving the innocence on the accused.
9. Union Cabinet gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for the Approach and Key Components of e-Kranti: National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0. e-Kranti is an important pillar of the Digital India programme and the programme has been envisaged by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
Objectives of e-Kranti
• To redefine NeGP with transformational and outcome oriented e-Governance initiatives.
• To enhance the portfolio of citizen centric services.
• To ensure optimum usage of core Information & Communication Technology (ICT).
• To promote rapid replication and integration of eGov applications.
• To leverage emerging technologies.
• To make use of more agile implementation models.
Key principles of e-Kranti
• Transformation and not Translation
• Integrated Services and not Individual Services
• Government Process Reengineering (GPR) to be mandatory in every Mission Mode Projects (MMPs)
• ICT Infrastructure on Demand
• Cloud by Default
• Mobile First
• Fast Tracking Approvals
• Mandating Standards and Protocols
• Language Localization
• National GIS (Geo-Spatial Information System)
• Security and Electronic Data Preservation
The e-Kranti Mission is to ensure a Government wide transformation by delivering all Government services electronically to citizens through integrated and interoperable systems via multiple modes, while ensuring efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs.
Key components of the management structure would consist of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for according approval to projects according to the financial provisions, a Monitoring Committee on Digital India headed by the Prime Minister, Digital India Advisory Group chaired by the Minister of Communications and IT, an Apex Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) / Committee on Non Plan Expenditure (CNE).
The Apex Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary would undertake addition / deletion of MMPs which are considered to be appropriate and resolve inter-Ministerial issues.
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