Press Release on Foreign Investment in MSMEs Sector
To promote FDI, the Government has put in place an investor-friendly policy. In this policy most sector/activities including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are open for 100% FDI under the automatic route/ However, the policy is subject to sectoral laws, regulations/rules, security conditions and state/local/laws/regulations. Furthermore, certain strategically important sectors/activities are kept outside the purview of this policy.
Status of the National Water Framework Bill, 2016
The Bill was circulated to States/UTs and the concerned Central Ministries for obtaining their comments. Comments on the draft bill have been received from 11 States viz., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. Additionally, interim responses have been received from 5 States/UTs viz., Uttarakhand, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and Lakshadweep.
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot launched by RBI in retail segment has components based on blockchain technology
RBI has launched pilots of CBDC in both Wholesale and Retail segments. The pilot in wholesale segment, known as the Digital Rupee -Wholesale (e₹-W), was launched on November 1, 2022 with use case being limited to the settlement of secondary market transactions in government securities. The pilot in retail segment, known as digital Rupee-Retail (e₹-R), was launched on December 01, 2022. It was launched within a closed user group (CUG) comprising of participating customers and merchants. This pilot segment has components based on blockchain technology.
Technology Assessment Cells
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) strategy document envisages Technology Assessment Cell to evaluate significant technologies with reference to prevention, control, and abatement of pollution. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) had issued guidelines for NKN and Institutes of Repute (IoR). These guidelines were issued under the National Clean Air Programme on 22.09.2022.
Amendments in EPA, 1986
The T.S.R. Subramanian Committee was constituted to review the environmental Acts and to suggest appropriate amendments. The intention was to bring the Acts in line with their objectives and current requirements. The T.S.R. Subramanian Committee Report was reviewed by the Parliament Standing Committee on Science & Technology in the year 2015. The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change should give due consideration to the views/opinion and objections raised instead of implementing the recommendations contained in the Report of the HLC.
‘Dare to Dream’ scheme for promoting start ups
DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups (recognised by DPIIT and with Indian founders) for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace.
UGC Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously
UGC has requested the Higher Educational Institutions to implement ‘Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously’ for the benefit of the students and to devise mechanisms through their statutory bodies for allowing students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously.
MoEF & CC announces the measures taken to ban use of single use plastic
Plastic raw material manufacturers are directed to stop supplying plastic raw material for manufacture of banned single use plastic items,
Hedging of Commodity Price Risk and Freight Risk in Overseas Markets (Reserve Bank) Directions
RBI has decided to permit eligible entities to hedge their exposure to the price risk of gold on exchanges in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) recognized by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
Recommendations on Improving Telecom Connectivity/Infrastructure in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh
Press release regarding Recommendations on Improving Telecom Connectivity/Infrastructure in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.
