General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2016

Dec 2016

Jul 02, 2020

Central Govt. Implemented Amendments in the Indian Stamp Act, 1899

From July 1, 2020, Central Government has enforced the amendments to the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, and the Indian Stamp (Collection of Stamp-Duty through Stock Exchanges, Clearing Corporations and Depositories) Rules as proposed under Part I, Chapter IV of the Finance Act, 2019 on 10th December, 2019. Therefore, the rate of stamp duty will change for debentures, transfer of demat securities, futures, options, currency and interest rate derivatives, government securities and repo on corporate bonds. Off-market transactions, including transfer of shares at the time of inheritance, gifts and transactions in unlisted securities among others, will also be charged a fee.
These amendments are introducing a uniform rate of stamp duty on trading of shares and commodities which was being charged at different rates by different states.
The present system of collection of stamp duty on securities market transactions led to multiple rates for the same instrument, resulting in jurisdictional disputes and multiple incidences of duty, thereby raising the transaction costs in the securities market and hurting capital formation. The Central Government has now created the legal and institutional mechanism to enable states to collect stamp duty on securities market instruments at one place by one agency.

Home Ministry Extends Armed Forces (Special power Act) (AFSPA) 1958 in Nagaland

Union ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the Armed Forces (Special power Act) (AFSPA) 1958 in Nagaland for six month.
The union home ministry notification stated whereas the Central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.
Nagaland governor R. N Ravi had written to the Chief Minister, N Rio citing collapse of law and order in the state.
Ravi in the letter has proposed important law and order decisions like transfers and postings of officials entrusted with maintenance of law and order will be only after the approval of the Governor.

NITI Aayog in Collaboration with RMI Releases 'Towards a Clean Energy Economy' Report

The new report on clean energy transition in India titled "Towards a Clean Energy Economy: Post-Covid-19 Opportunities for India's Energy and Mobility Sectors" brought out jointly by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) to support India's clean energy future. The report has recommended specific actions and laid down four principles as a framework by which India can revive two of our economic powerhouses – the transport and power sectors from the COVID-19 effect that has impacted their demand and supply.
The principles are Invest in least-cost-energy solutions, support resilient and secure energy systems, prioritise efficiency and competitiveness, promote social and environmental equity.
As per the report, India's transport sector can save 1.7 gigatonnes (GT) of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and avoid about 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent in fuel demand by 2030 through shared, electric, and connected passenger mobility and cost-effective, clean, and optimised freight transport.

Giriraj Singh Launches the 1st Edition of "Matsya Sampada"

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the 1st edition of "Matsya Sampada" – newsletter fisheries and aquaculture published by the Department of Fisheries and the operational guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Matsya Sampada is aimed to educate the fishers and fish farmers on the latest advancement in and best practices in fisheries and aquaculture.
Starting from the first quarter of 2020-2021, this newsletter will be published on a quarterly basis.
This newsletter will serve as a communication platform in informing the development in the sector to the stakeholders like fishers, fish farmers and the entrepreneurs all over the country and assist them with their businesses.

Committee for Reform in Criminal Law to Start Online Consultation Soon

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a national level committee for reform in criminal law.
The committee, which has several leading legal academicians on board, would be gathering opinions online, consulting with experts and collating material for their report to the government.
The consultation exercise would start this month and go on for the next three months.
The committee includes Ranbir Singh, chairperson, Vice-Chancellor, National Law University (NLU), Delhi; G.S. Bajpai, member and convenor, Registrar, NLU Delhi; Balraj Chauhan, member, Vice-Chancellor, Dharmashastra NLU Jabalpur; Mahesh Jethmalani, member, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; and G.P. Thareja, member, former District and Sessions Judge, Delhi.

Jun 30, 2020

Syed Ali Geelani Resigns as Head of Hurriyat Conference

Jammu and Kashmir-based separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, under house arrest since last August (2019), resigned as chairman of Hurriyat Conference. He was chosen as lifetime chairman of the Hurriyat.
As per Geelani, there have been certain issues which forced him to resign.
The leader referred to inaction by the Hurriyat members post the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union territories.
Geelani had been leading the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference while the moderate faction is helmed by cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

India Bans 59 Chinese Apps

India banned 59 apps originating from China, including very popular ones like the short video platform TikTok, UC Browser, file sharing app ShareIt, and CamScanner, which allows iOS and Android devices to be used as image and document scanners.
The ban has been imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009. The government also cited complaints about data on Indian users being transferred abroad without authorisation.
The move could come as a blow to China's Digital Silk Route ambitions, eroding the valuation of the companies. It could also lead to more countries following India's cue and acting against these apps.

Jun 29, 2020

UP Governor Anandiben Patel Given Additional Charge

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh during the absence on leave of incumbent Lal Ji Tandon.
Tandon has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lucknow since June 11.

RJD Vice-president Vijendra Yadav Quits Party

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state vice-president Vijendra Yadav tendered his resignation, citing lack of respect meted out to old-senior leaders in the party. Popularly known as 'kingmaker', Vijendra Yadav made the announcement to quit the party at a press conference. He also tendered his resignation from the party post.
Once believed to be a close aide to RJD supremo Lalu Yadav and senior party leaders, Yadav alleged that Lalu's behaviour towards him changed in the last 10 years.
As per Yadav, he has not thought of joining any other party nor has any plans to float a new one. He will join a party that will give him some respect.

Telangana to Celebrate Narshima Rao's Centenary for a Year

Telangana acknowledged the contribution of ninth Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao in building the nation and erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh in particular.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) launched year-long birth centenary celebrations that will see people of Telangana remember their beloved leader who was born in this state.
Calling the former Prime Minister son of the soil and a multifaceted personality, KCR said that the celebrations will be held all through the year and reflect several angles of the great leader's life.
Calling upon the celebration committee to highlight the "360 degree personality" of the most believed son of Telangana during the yearlong worldwide celebrations, the chief minister said the state cabinet and Assembly will move a resolution demanding Bharat Rant to P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename the Hyderabad Central University to P. V. Narasimha Rao Central University, the former PM of India.

Jun 28, 2020

President Promulgates Ordinance to Bring Co-operative Banks under RBI Supervision

President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 to bring all urban co-operative banks and multi-state cooperative banks under the supervision of the RBI in order to protect the interest of depositors.
The Ordinance amends the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as applicable to cooperative banks.
The Ordinance seeks to protect the interests of depositors and strengthen co-operative banks by improving governance and oversight by extending powers already available with RBI in respect of other banks to co-operative Banks as well for sound banking regulation, and by ensuring professionalism and enabling their access to capital.
The amendments do not affect existing powers of the State Registrars of Co-operative Societies under state co-operative laws.

Veteran BJP Leader Yashwant Sinha Enters Bihar Polls Fray; Announces a New Front

Another player Yashwant Sinha entered the poll arena with a promise to give a credible alternative to the NDA in Bihar.
Veteran BJP leader and former union minister Yashwant Sinha launched a new front in Patna, the name of which is yet to be decided.
Sinha was in Patna and had been meeting political leaders to work out his strategy. Along with Sinha, was former Jehanabad MP, Arun Kumar, former MP Nagmani, former state minister Narendra Singh and former RJD MP Devendra Yadav. Sinha said that several other leaders are in touch with him and going forward more names would join the list.
On a question whether he would join UPA or any other alliance against the NDA, he said that our fight is with the NDA and anyone who is against NDA is welcome to come with us.

Jun 27, 2020

IRDAI Forms Working Group Headed by Anjan Dey to Look Into Drone Insurance

India's insurance regulator, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formulated a 9-member working group(WG) headed by Anjan Dey, general manager of the New India Assurance, to suggest insurance products covering various risks involved in the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System(RAPS)/ Drones.
IRDA has tasked the group to make recommendations related to product design and development to meet the needs of RPAS owners and operators, including third party liability.
The group will also make recommendations related to the underwriting of such risks, including re-insurance aspects.
Investigation of an insurance perspective and any other relevant matter related to the subject is included.

India Ranks 77th in Terms of Money Deposited in Swiss Banks

According to the 'Annual banking statistics, 2019' released by Switzerland's central bank Swiss National Bank (SNB), India is at the 77th position in terms of money parked by its citizens and enterprises with Swiss banks at the end of the year 2019,compared to 74th the previous year, i.e 2018. Indians account for only 0.06 % of the money deposited by foreigners in Swiss banks.
While, Britain holds the first place in this list with a share of 27 % of the total deposits.
Talking of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries, India is at the bottom of the list while Russia ranks highest at 20th among BRICS countries (same place in 2018) followed by China at 22nd position like last year, South Africa 56th place(climbed two places ), Brazil is at 62nd ( In 2018, it was ranked 65th ).

Karnataka First State to Amend Industries (Facilitation) Act for Small, Medium and Large-scale In...

The Karnataka Government amended the " The Karnataka Industries(Facilitation) act, 2002", in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister of Karnataka B. S. Yediyurappa, to facilitate and attract investment in the state.
The act helps to make simple regulations and procedures for requirements,creating an ideal environment for investment.
An industry does not need statutory permissions for the first three years to set up operations in the state. Permissions like approvals under multiple state laws, including trade license and building-plan approval.
Promotes ease of doing business and facilitate investors to invest in the state.

Voters Over 65, COVID-19 Patients Can Opt for Postal Ballot

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Law Ministry has reduced the age limit for senior citizens who opt for postal ballot in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Voters in the Bihar Assembly polls are likely to be the first beneficiaries of the revised guidelines.
In October 2019, the Law Ministry amended the Conduct of Election Rules to allow people with disabilities and those who are 80 years of age or above to opt for postal ballot during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
The Election Commission, however, approached the government to change the rule as the pandemic could continue till the end of the year.

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