9-10 Sept
9 sept
7th session of India-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission held in Minsk
The seventh session of India-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held on 7 September 2015 in the Belarus capital Minsk.
It was co-chaired by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and her counterpart Vitali Mikhailovich Vovk.
Outcomes of the Intergovernmental Commission session
• Bilateral trade target was set as 1 billion US dollars to be achieved by 2018 from the present level of 400 million US dollars.
• The trade will be achieved by stepping up cooperation in pharmaceuticals, mining machinery, energy, fertilizer, and tourism sectors.
• A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be set up to discuss further cooperation in health-care and pharmaceuticals sectors. Pharmaceuticals constitute the bulk of India’s exports to Belarus amounting to about 35 million US dollars per annum.
• A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be set up to promote tourism between the two countries.
• Both the countries discussed the issues relating to long term contract for supply of potash fertilizers to India and possible equity participation of Indian fertilizer companies in Belarusian company producing Potash Fertilizer.
• Both the countries agreed to hold the next session of the commission in New Delhi in 2016.
Comment
The session of the commission and its outcomes show the deepening relations between India and Belarus in recent times.
During the visit of the president Pranab Mukherjee to Belarus in June 2015, India offered lines of credit worth 100 million US dollars and also accorded it the status of a free market economy.
Weightlifter Deepak Lather won Gold in 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games
Indian weightlifters Deepak Lather on 8 September 2015 won a gold medal in the 62 kg category of the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) being held in Apia, Samoa.
This was India’s second gold in weightlifting after Jamjang Deru (17-year-old) who won a gold medal in the 56 kg category on the opening day of the event.
Deepak (15-year-old) finished with a total of 258 kg with 120 kg in snatch, a new CYG record, and 138 kg in clean and jerk. India is being represented by 25 athletes in eight disciplines out of the nine being competed in the CYG.
Medals winners of India till second day of 2015 CYG
• Tejaswin Shankar won the Gold medal in boys high jump
• Weightlifter Jamjang Deru won Gold medal in 56kg category
• Weightlifter Deepak Lather won Gold medal in 62 kg category
• Javelin thrower Mohd Hadish won a Gold medal
• Swimmer Supriya Mondal won the Silver medal in boys 200 metre butterfly event
• Jisna Mathew won a Silver medal in girls 400m race
• Chandan Bauri won a Bronze medal in boys 400m race
• Velavan Senthilkumar won a Bronze in boys squash singles
Fallout of slowdown in Chinese economy
Economic reforms introducing market principles began in 1978 in China that led to unprecedented growth of 9.5% per year. Per capita income grew 6.6% yearly. China was largely seen as engine of world and regional growth.
But recent crash of stock market in china that started in July 2015 has sent jitters across the world about stability and strength of Chinese economy. Increased middle class in China and its participation in stock market though helped country’s stock exchange reach record heights. But it is also linked to the crazy fall that began in July 2015
Causes of Chinese Market Crash
• Root cause is that over the past year investors poured more and more in Chinese stock market even though companies’ growth profile was weak.
• A big portion of participants are enthusiastic retail investors whose participation led to development of a classic bubble. On June 12 the bubble popped and Shanghai index lost about third of its value before rebounding. Again on 24th July, Shanghai Composite Index was down 8.5% which was the worst one day drop since February 2007. Next day again the market was down 7.6%. People’s daily has declared these days as black Monday and Tuesday.
• Proximate cause for the chain of events is the devaluation of Yuan by about 2% on 11th August. More than 5 trillion US dollars has been wiped off on global stock prices since then.
• Further disappointing data on slowing manufacturing activity and services sector adds a cause to the meltdown. Chinese PMI fell to 49.7 in August from 50 a month ago. This is the lowest in three years.
Consequesces on World and Indian Economy
• Nervousness led by Chinese market crash has radiated outside China. Nikkie index has slipped by 4.6%. European bourses are down 4-5%. DOW opened down more than 1000 points.
• Pain extends beyond the stock market. Emerging market currencies are tumbling. Commodities are sinking. Oil has hit six and half year low. Gold is down. But low prices of commodities like copper; aluminium is good news for India. As a consumer, cost of constructing new infrastructure especially smart cities will come down.
• It may be bad for Indian automobile producers like Tata Motors as China is its fastest growing market.
• Weakening outlook for Chinese growth and slip in Chinese currency have put pressure on emerging economies and especially those whose growth model depends on Chinese demand for industrial and other commodities. Increase in Chinese demand account for 50, 44, 66% of export growth of Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan.
• Countries like Canada, Brazil, and Australia bolstered their economy by selling to China. Also growing middle class became attractive market for American companies.
• While Indian and other markets have witnessed a knee jerk reaction of a crash. There may not be a direct long term impact on India.
Despite the above consequences there is not a major reason for panic. Shanghai index is still up 43% on its level a year ago. Also Chinese market is an isolated market where most investors are domestic. Foreign investors can invest in Chinese shares only in Hong Kong stock market which is more mature and stable. This has the effect of containing the economic disaster within China.
Further Asian governments are in far better position to weather these changes in economic climate.
Moreover steps taken by the government in China may give a valid reason for optimism. Government has announced new stimulus measures to boost economy. Also it gave money to brokerages to buy stocks and ordered companies not to sell their shares. It has also suspended listing of new companies.
People’s bank of China has cut its lending and deposit rates by 0.25%. It is fifth time in nine months.
Given the modest nature and limited effectiveness of stimulus measures that China is likely to implement, the rest of the world’s cause for nervousness about China seems unlikely to disappear for long
Union Cabinet approved Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme to reduce dependence on physical gold
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 gave its approval for the Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme.
The purpose of the scheme is to reduce the demand for physical gold and to shift part of the estimated 300 tons of physical bars and coins purchased every year for investment into Demat (Dematerialised) gold bonds.
Features of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme
• Bonds will be issued on payment of money and would be linked to the price of gold.
• The sell would be restricted to resident Indian entities and each entity cannot buy more than 500 grams per person per year.
• The bonds will be issued in denominations of 2, 5 and 10 grams of gold or other denominations.
• The cap on bonds that may be bought by an entity would be at a suitable level, not more than 500 grams per person per year.
• The bonds will be issued with a nominal rate of interest (which will be linked to international rate for gold borrowing) as decided by the government.
• The rate of interest on the bonds will be payable in terms of grams of gold. The interest will be calculated on 10000 at a certain per cent say 2 or 3 percent.
• On maturity, the investor receives the equivalent of the face value of gold in rupee terms.
• Bonds will be issued on behalf of the Government of India by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The bond will be marketed through post offices and by various brokers/agents who may need to be paid a commission (like for Kisan Vikas Patra).
• The price of gold may be taken from National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) / London Bullion Market Association/RBI and the rupee equivalent amount may be converted at the RBI reference rate on issue and redemption.
• Banks/ Non-bank financial companies (NBFCs)/Post Offices may collect money / redeem bonds on behalf of government (for a fee, the amount would be as decided).
• Capital gains tax treatment will be the same as for physical gold. This will ensure that an investor is indifferent in terms of investing in these bonds and in physical gold- as far as the tax treatment is concerned.
• The tenor of the bond could be for a minimum of 5 to 7 years so that it would protect investors from medium term volatility in the gold prices.
• These Bonds will be easily sold and traded on commodity exchanges
• Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The Loan to Value ratio can be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by RBI from time to time.
• During 2015-16 financial year gold bonds equivalent of 50 tonnes of gold would be issued. Since the amount, around 13500 crore rupees, is not very high, it can be accommodated within the market borrowing programme for 2015-16.
• Since these bonds are part of the sovereign borrowing, they will be within the fiscal deficit target for 2015-16 and onwards.
• The amount received from the bonds will be used in lieu of government borrowing and the notional interest saved on this amount would be credited in an account Gold Reserve Fund.
• Gold Reserve Fund will be utilised to take care of the risk of increase in gold price that will be borne by the government.
Comment
The cabinet approval to the scheme is in tune with the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s 2015-16 budget speech.
Jaitley, on 28 Februay 2015, announced three major initiatives viz., Gold Monetisation Scheme, Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and Indian Gold Coin to curb demand for physical gold.
Since most of the domestic demand for gold is met through imports, this scheme will, ultimately help in maintaining the country's Current Account Deficit (CAD) within sustainable limits.
Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) is intended to replace both the gold deposit and gold metal loan scheme and to allow depositors to earn interest on their gold metal accounts jewelers to obtain loans.
Indian Gold Coin, which will carry the Ashok Chakra on its face, would help reduce the demand for gold coins and also help recycle the gold available in the country.
Queen Elizabeth II became longest-reigning UK monarch
Queen Elizabeth II became longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.
She passed the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria on 9 September 2015 who ruled for 63 years between 1837 and 1901.
Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne on 6 February 1952 at the age of 25 upon the death of her father George VI.
At present, she is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations of 53 countries and the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
In addition to the United Kingdom, the Queen is the sovereign of 15 Commonwealth realms including Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Incidentally, none of these 15 countries are in Europe.
Union Cabinet approved introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes that were announced by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his 2015-16 budget speech.
Under this initiative, revamped Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and the Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme will be implemented.These revamped schemes are in addition to the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme as approved by the Cabinet.
Revamped Gold Deposit Scheme
Objectives
• To mobilize the gold held by households and institutions in the country.
• To provide a fillip to the gems and jewellery sector in the country by making gold available as raw material on loan from banks.
• To reduce reliance on import of gold to meet the domestic demand.
Process of Gold Monetization by customers/Gold Mobilisation by Banks
Stage1: Customer willing to monetize gold, which is in the form of bullion or jewellary, will approach Purity Testing Centre (PTC). In a PTC, a preliminary XRF machine-test (Preliminary Test) will be conducted to assess the approximate amount of pure gold.
The minimum quantity of gold that a customer can bring is proposed to be set at 30 grams and around 350 Hallmarking Centres that are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will act as PTCs to test the gold.
Stage2: After the preliminary assessment, if the customer gives his consent for melting the gold, a further test of purity (Fire Assay Test) will be conducted at the same PTC. The test will melt the gold and net weight of gold will be estimated.
Stage3: After the result of the Fire Assay Test, if the customer willing to deposit the gold he will be given a certificate by the collection centre certifying the amount and purity of the deposited gold; Otherwise he can take back the melted gold in the form of gold bars after paying a nominal fee.
Stage4: The depositor produces the certificate at the bank and the bank in turn will open a Gold Savings Account for the depositor and credit the quantity of gold into the depositor’s account. Simultaneously, the PTC will also inform the bank about the deposit made.
Stage5: The bank will pay interest to the depositor after 30/60 days of opening of the account. The amount of interest rate to be given is proposed to be left to the banks todecide.
Both principal and interest to be paid to the depositors will be valued in gold. For example if a customer deposits 100 gms of gold and gets 1 per cent interest, then, on maturity he has a credit of 101 gms.
The deposits can be made for a short-term period of 1-3 years (with a roll out in multiples of one year); a medium-term period of 5-7 years and a long-term period, of 12-15 years (as decided from time to time).
The depositor will have the option of redemption either in cash or in gold, which will have to be exercised at the time of deposit.
Similar to the Gold Deposit Scheme (1999), in which the customers received Capital Gains Tax, Wealth tax and Income Tax exemptions, the depositors of GMS also will receive similar benefits.
Gold Reserve Fund: The difference between the current borrowing cost for the Government and the interest rate paid by the Government under the medium/long term deposit will be credited to the Gold Reserve Fund.
Utilization
The deposits will be utilized for Auctioning, Replenishment of RBIs Gold Reserves, Coins and lending to jewelers.
To make the process of lending to jewelers smooth and efficient, jewellers will be allowed to open Gold Loan Account as part of therevamped Gold Metal Loan Scheme.
For implementation of these revamped schemes, the banks will enter into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with refiners and PTCs.
BSE has highest number of listed companies in the world: WFE
The World Federation of Exchanges (WEF), in the first week of September 2015, announced that the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has the highest number of listed companies in the world.
By the end of June 2015, a total number of 5689 companies were listed with the BSE. However, out of 5689, only one company was a foreign company.
The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) had 1750 listed companies by the end of June 2015.
Though BSE leads the world in terms of listed companies, Shanghai stock exchange of China (having 1070 companies) was at the top in terms of value of share trading with 30 trillion US dollars worth transactions in June 2015.
The total value of transactions in the BSE was 94 billion US dollars during the same period.
BSE was established in 1855 and is considered as the oldest exchange in Asia.
Union Cabinet approved constitution of 21st Law Commission of India
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 gave its approval for the Constitution of the 21st Law Commission of India.
The formation of the commission was necessitated as the term of the 20th law commission ended on 31 August 2015. It was headed by Justice Ajit Prakash Shah.
The 21st law commission will be functional for a period of three years between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2018 and will consist of
A full-time Chairperson;
Four full-time Members (including a Member-Secretary)
Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex-officio member
Secretary, Legislative Department as ex-officio member
Not more than five part-time Members.
Functions of Law Commission of India
• Undertaking research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo-motu.
• Undertaking studies and research for bringing reforms in the justice delivery systems for elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in cost of litigation etc
• Identification of laws which are no longer relevant and recommending for the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments
• Suggesting enactment of new legislations as may be necessary to implement the Directive Principles and to attain the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution
• Considering and conveying to the Government its views on any subject relating to law and judicial administration that may be specifically referred to it by the Government through Ministry of Law and Justice (Department of Legal Affairs)
• Considering the requests for providing research to any foreign countries as may be referred to it by the Government through Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legal Affairs)
• Preparing and submitting to the Central Government, from time to time, reports on all issues, matters, studies and research undertaken by it and recommending in such reports for effective measures to be taken by the Union or any State; and
• Performing such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Central Government from time to time.
About Law Commission of India
• It is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of lndia from time to time.
• It was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-constituted every three years.
• The various Law Commissions have been able to make important contribution towards the progressive development and codification of laws of the country.
• Law Commissions have so far submitted 262 reports.
Haryana banned manufacture, storage, sale of gutka, pan masala in the state
Haryana Government in first week of September 2015 issued a complete ban on manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala, flavoured or scented tobacco, kharra and other similar products containing tobacco. The decision was taken in interest of public health.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued notification in this regard. The notice prohibits the sale and purchase of tobacco products for one year starting from 3 September 2015.
The ban also includes mix of other ingredients containing tobacco such as heavy metals, anti-caking agents except to the extent of specifically permitted as ingredients, silver leaf, binders, flavours, scents, fragrances, prohibited chemicals or any one of these ingredients.
Tamil Nadu Government launched Amma baby care Kit Scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on 7 September 2015 launched the Amma Baby Care Kit scheme wherein the state government will provide accessories for the newborn and its mother.
These accessories include a towel, a mosquito net, an infant mattress, an infant dress, napkin, oil bottle (100ml), baby shampoo (60 ml), a soap with a box, a nail-cutter, Kilu Kiluppai (rattle toy), a doll, and a hand sanitizer (250ml).
The kit will also contain a locally made stimulant Sowbhagya Leghyam for the mother besides a box to store essentials meant for the newborn. With 16 items inside it, the cost of the kit has been pegged at 1000 rupees.
In the current year, a sum of 67 crore rupees has been earmarked for the scheme with a plan to provide it to mothers at the government hospitals. The scheme was launched a year after it was announced by the state government during the Assembly in August 2014.
Background
Amma Baby Care Kit is the latest in the list of social welfare schemes under the brand name Amma launched by the Tamil Nadu government. Jayalalithaa is popularly addressed as Amma (Mother) by her supporters.
The launch of Amma Baby Care Kit is not the first-of-its-kind scheme in the health sector as in 1992, CM Jayalalithaa had introduced the Cradle baby scheme in the state during her first tenure as a Chief Minister with an aim to eradicate female infanticides.
In the last four years, the other popular schemes introduced under the Amma brand name include Amma canteens, Amma pharmacies, Amma drinking water, Amma salts, Amma seeds and Amma cements.
Jharkhand Government approved the formation of Anti-Terrorism Squad in State
The Jharkhand Government on 8 September 2015 approved the formation of an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the state. The State cabinet also gave its approval to create 243 ATS posts.
The ATS will be headed by an official of the rank of Superintendent of Police and will have six DSP and 11 Inspectors in it. The police will get full cooperation in meeting internal security challenges as government's priority is to provide security to the people of the state.
Jharkhand has turned into a haven for terrorists, the two terrorists involved in the 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata were from Jharkhand itself, however, they were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Hazaribagh district.
The accused of Patna's Gandhi Maidan bomb blasts in 2013 was also arrested from the state.
Agriculture expert Ramesh Chand appointed as a full time member Niti Aayog
Professor Ramesh Chand, a renowned farm expert, was on 8 September 2015 appointed as a full-time member of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. His appointment was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He is also a member of a task force on agriculture development under Niti Aayog which is formulating strategies to give a boost to the agriculture sector.
Chand was working as Director of National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP) in New Delhi since 2010. Earlier, he headed a government panel on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Besides Chand, Arvind Panagriya (Vice Chairman of Aayog), economist Bibek Debroy and former DRDO chief VK Saraswat are other the full-time members of the Aayog, which was formed in March 2015 in place of Planning Commission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the chairman of the Aayog.
The Aayog is mandated to recommend strategies for re-invigorating agriculture in all its aspects and to formulate strategies for reforms, innovation and technology diffusion.
Pakistan SC ordered adoption of Urdu as official language
Supreme Court of Pakistan on 8 September 2015 ordered immediate adoption of Urdu as official language of the country. With this order, Urdu will be used as an official language at the government offices of Pakistan.
The order was passed by a three member bench headed by Chief Justice Jawwad S Khawaja while delivering judgment in a case. The petitioner Advocate Kokab Iqbal through his petition wanted promotion and implementation of the national language.
The Court also ruled that under the 1973 Constitution it is must to adopt Urdu as official language.
It also ordered that there should be no delay in implementation of Article 251 in line with Article 5 of the Constitution. It also issued nine guidelines for making Urdu the official language.
Union Government inaugurated New production facility for producing prosthetic systems
The Union Minister for Social justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot on 8 September 2015 inaugurated the new production facility for producing affordable lower limb prosthetic systems. The facility was launched under the Make In India initiative with an estimated cost of 6 Crores rupees.
For this, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) signed the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Technical & Consultancy Services agreement with multinational company Ottobock for mass manufacturing of new generation Lower limb prosthetic systems for PwDs (Persons with Disabilities).
With this new production unit, ALIMCO will be able to produce technologically advanced prosthetic system which will improve the independence and mobility of lower limbs amputees from all section of society in the country.
Camp conducted by ALIMCO
• During the launch, ALIMCO conducted successful camp at Kanpur Dehat District. In that camp, government distributed artificial limbs and aids to 692 pre-identified beneficiaries. They were provided aid and assistive devices, prosthetics valuing over 60 Lakh rupees.
• 20 specially indentified beneficiaries having more than 80 percent disability were handed over battery operated motorized Tricycle fitted with Utility Box costing 37000 rupees each.
• Major cost of this high end product was borne by the Ministry and amount of 2.4 lakh rupees was graciously provided through MP LAD fund.
• Pre-identified beneficiaries were provided with various assistive aids and devices including 550-Tricycles, 26-Wheelchairs, 596-Crutches, 93-Walking Stick, 1 Rollators, 8 Braille Cane (folding), 42 Behind The Ear Digital Hearing Aid machine and 2 MSIED Kit (Multi Sensory Inclusive Educational Kit) for Children with Special Needs.
• 26 Prosthetics and Orthotics appliances were also distributed.
ALIMCO works under the aegis of Department Of Empowerment Of Person with Disability (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
CCI imposed penalty on Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation for Contravening Competition Law
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 8 September 2015 imposed penalty on Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF) for conducting activities in contravention of Section 3 of the Competition Act, 2002.
The decision came following Informant M/s Crown Theatre's allegations of anti-competitive conduct by KFEF in not allowing screening of Malayalam and Tamil films in its theatre since May 2013. CCI observed that the distributors in the film industry denied Malayalam/Tamil films to the Informant due to the ban imposed by KFEF.
Later, it was found that due to its differences with M/s Crown Theatre, KFEF ensured that the theatre did not receive Malayalam and Tamil movies for release. Such denial of Tamil and Malayalam language movies for screening was found to be in contravention of section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
Further, two of KFEF's office bearers PV Basheer Ahmed (President, KFEF) and MC Bobby (Secretary, KFEF) were found to be in-charge of and responsible for the conduct of business of KFEF during the relevant period under section 48 of the Act.
While imposing penalty under section 27 of the Act, the Commission observed that the objective of penalty is to discipline the erring entities for their anti-competitive conduct as well as to create deterrence to prevent future contraventions.
The Commission also took into account the rampant instances of anti-competitive conduct by associations in the film industry and past orders of the Commission where heavy financial penalties have been imposed.
After thorough investigation, the Commission issued following orders:
• Cease and desist from indulging in anti-competitive conduct.
• Penalty of 82414 rupees on KFEF calculated at the rate of 10 percent of its average income.
• Penalty of 56397 rupees and 47778 rupees on PV Basheer Ahmed and MC Bobby respectively, calculated at the rate of 10 percent of their average income.
• KFEF has been directed not to associate PV Basheer Ahmed and MC Bobby with its affairs, including administration, management and governance for a period of two years.
• Furthermore, KFEF has been directed to organize at least five competition awareness and compliance programmes over next six months in the State of Kerala for its members. The compliance of this shall commence before expiry of 60 days from the receipt of the order by OP.
Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002
As per the Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, no enterprise or or association of persons shall enter into any agreement in respect of production, supply, distribution, storage, acquisition or control of goods or provision of services, which causes or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India.
10 sept
Union Cabinet gave nod to transfer regulatory authority on potable alcohol to states
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 gave nod to transfer regulatory authority on potable alcohol to state governments.
It will ensure that industries engaged in manufacturing alcohol meant for Potable purposes shall be under the total and exclusive control of States in all respects.
To operationalise the Cabinet’s decision, an amendment to the first schedule of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 will be introduced in the Parliament by replacing 26 Fermentation Industries with 26 Fermentation Industries (other than potable alcohol).
The decision to transfer regulatory authority was necessitated due to the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court in 1997 in the case pertaining to Bihar Distillery Vs Union of India.
In the judgment, the court ordered that industries engaged in manufacturing alcohol meant for potable purpose shall be under the control of the State and controls concerning Industrial Alcohol shall be under the jurisdiction of the Central Government.
Further, the Law Commission of India, in its 158th report, also recommended for similar arrangement to avoid jurisdictional tension arising out of contradicting legal provisions related to potable alcohol industry.
Why jurisdictional tension between the Union and States?
The Lists I and II of the Schedule VII of the Constitution of India clearly specifies that duties of excise related to alcoholic liquors for human consumption (potable alcohol) are in the State Governments’ domain and medicinal and toilet preparations containing alcohol (industrial alcohol) come under the Union jurisdiction.
However, the first schedule of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 mandates that alcohol industries as a whole come under the Union Government’s purview.
Though the 1951 Act is not related to taxation issues, it created confusion among enforcement agencies that finally led to abuse of law and misuse of alcohol.
Election Commission of India announced election dates for Bihar Assembly polls
Election Commission of India (ECI) on 9 September 2015 announced the election dates for Bihar Assembly polls. The election to be held in 5 phases between 12 October and 5 November 2015 and counting will take place on 8 November 2015.
Election dates
|
Phases |
Elections Dates |
Assembly Constituencies |
|
1st Phase |
12 October 2015 |
49 |
|
2nd Phase |
16 October 2015 |
32 |
|
3rd Phase |
28 October 2015 |
50 |
|
4th Phase |
1 November 2015 |
55 |
|
5th Phase |
5 November 2015 |
57 |
The elections will be held as the five year term of the current Assembly is due to expire on 29 November 2015.
With this announcement of the dates, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The elections will see deployment of central paramilitary forces at all polling booths to oversee the effective management of the electoral process at the field level mainly in respect of voter awareness and facilitation.
Bihar has a total of 243 assembly seats, of which 38 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 2 for Scheduled Tribes. 47 constituencies are affected by Left Wing Extremism. A total of 62779 polling stations will be set up for 6.68 crore electorates.
Besides, this is the first time when the EVMs will be carrying photos of the candidates in any general election to prevent the namesake problem.
President conferred Gandhi Peace Prize on ISRO
President Pranab Mukherjee on 9 September 2015 conferred Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014 on Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The award was conferred at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On behalf of the organisation the award was received by ISRO’s Chairman AS Kiran Kumar. It was awarded for its contribution in development of space technology and satellite-based services like launch of Manglayan, PSLV, and others.
ISRO was chosen for the prestigious award on 27 March 2015 by a jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
About the Gandhi Peace Prize
The Gandhi Peace Prize was instituted in the year 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This annual award is given to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods.
The award carries an amount of one crore rupees, a citation and a Plaque. The Award for every year is selected by a Jury under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
Gandhian environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt, the founder of Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh (DGSS) in Gopeshwar in 1964, which later became a mother organisation to the Chipko movement, was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013.
Previous recipients of the award includes
• Julius K Nyerere, former Tanzanian President (he was the first recipient of the award in 1995)
• Nelson Mandela, former South African President
• AT Ariyaratne, founder President of Sarvodaya Shramadana movement in Sri Lanka
• Gerhard Fischer of Rama Krishna Mission in Germany and
• Baba Amte (Murlidhar Devidas Amte), a social worker of India who is known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, cleric and activist of South Africa (received the award in 2005)
Union Cabinet approved 100 percent FDI in white label ATMs through automatic route
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in white label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs). White label ATMs are those that are being set up by non-bank entities.
In contrast to the earlier norm of going through the approval route, this decision by the cabinet allows foreign investments through the automatic route.
However, any non-bank entity intending to set up WLAs should have a minimum net worth of 100 crore rupees as per the latest financial year's audited balance sheet, which is to be maintained at all times.
Comment
The change in the policy guidelines is primarily aimed at extending the financial inclusion principal even to the Tier III to VI cities across the country.
The extended reach of ATMs will allow beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to avail a wide variety of banking services like accessing their accounts for dispensing cash and non-financial services without the need for actually visiting their bank branch.
Seven Indians featured in the Forbes Asia's list of philanthropists
Forbes on 27 August 2015 released 9th edition of the Forbes Asia’s list of philanthropists. The list includes 40 names of philanthropists from 13 countries of the Asia-Pacific region for their noteworthy contributions.
Forbes list of 40 peoples features philanthropists who made news with their donations in the past year, but it also recognizes people who have compiled a long record of supporting worthy causes.
Among the 40 names, the list of philanthropists in the year 2015 includes a name of a philanthropist from Nepal for the first time.
Further, the list also includes names of seven Indians and they are
• Infosys co-founders Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Nandan NilekaniandSD Shibulal were named for their individual contributions to health and education sectors.
• Rohan, son of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, also feature in the list. He donated 5.2 million US dollars to Harvard University Press for promoting ancient Indian literary classics. He represents his father as a philanthropist.
• Kerala-born entrepreneur Sunny Varkey featured in the list. He in July 2015 was in news for his pledge to donate half his fortune worth 2.25 billion US dollars as charity in response to the Giving Pledge Initiative, led by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Based in Dubai, Varkey is the founder of GEMS Education, a chain of 70 private schools in 14 countries. He has already been featured in Forbes' list of top Indian philanthropists.
• Two India-born brothers Suresh RamakrishnanandMahesh Ramakrishnan were named in the list. Both are London-based entrepreneurs and are founders of Whitcomb & Shaftesbury Tailors on London's Saville Row.
Levels & Trends in Child Mortality Report 2015 released
The Levels & Trends in Child Mortality Report 2015 was released on 9 September 2015 by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation.
The Group consists of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank Group and the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
The report estimated that child (0-5 years) mortality rates (U5MR) in 2015 have plummeted to less than half of what they were in 1990.
Highlights of the Report
• Substantial global progress has been made in reducing child deaths since 1990. The number of under-five deaths worldwide has declined from 12.7 million in 1990 to 5.9 million in 2015 – 16000 every day compared with 35000 in 1990.
• Since 1990, the global under-five mortality rate has dropped 53 percent, from 91 (Boy-89, Girl- 92) deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 43 (41, 46) in 2015.
• Promisingly, sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest under-five mortality rate in the world, has also registered a substantive acceleration. Its annual rate of reduction increased from 1.6 percent in 1990s to 4.1 percent in 2000–2015.
• The remarkable decline in under-five mortality since 2000 has saved the lives of 48 million children under age five – children who would not have survived to see their fifth birthday if the under-five mortality rate from 2000 onward remained at the same level as in 2000.
• Between 1990 and 2015, 62 of the 195 countries with available estimates met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 target of a two-thirds reduction in the under-five mortality rate between 1990 and 2015. Among them, 24 are low- and lower-middle income countries.
• Despite these gains, progress remains insufficient to reach MDG 4 globally and in many regions, particularly in Caucasus and Central Asia, Oceania, Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• 1 child in 12 in sub-Saharan Africa dies before his or her fifth birthday – far higher than the average ratio of 1 in 147 in high-income countries. Southern Asia has the second-highest under-five mortality rate in the world – about 1 child in 19 dies before age five.
• Globally, the neonatal (0-28 days) mortality rate fell from 36 (35, 38) deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 19 (18, 21) in 2015, and the number of neonatal deaths declined from 5.1 (4.9, 5.3) million to 2.7 (2.5, 2.9) million.
• Most child deaths are caused by diseases that are readily preventable or treatable with proven, cost-effective and quality-delivered interventions. Infectious diseases and neonatal complications are responsible for the vast majority of under-five deaths globally.
• To achieve the SDG target of an under-five mortality rate of 25 or fewer deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030, a total of 47 countries need to increase their pace of progres
Report with respect to India
• India registered rapid progress in preventing child mortality rate.
• In 1990, U5MR was 126. In 2000, it declined to 91 and in 2015 it was further declined to 48 against the UN MDG target of 42.
• Between 1990 and 2015, India could register 3.9 percent annual rate of reduction in U5M deaths.
• 1.2 million U5M deaths occurred during 2015 against 3.3 million in 1990.
• Among boys, U5MR was 122 in 1990 and 46 in 2015.
• Among girls, U5MR was 130 in 1990 and 49 in 2015.
• IMR (0-1 years) was recorded as 88 in 1990 and as 38 in 2015.
• Number of IM deaths came down from 2.3 million in 1990 to 0.9 million in 2015.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate was 57 (per 1000 live births) in 1990 and 28 in 2015.
• NMR deaths were 1.5 million in 1990 and around 0.7 million in 2015.
Union Cabinet approved National Offshore Wind Energy Policy 2015
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 gave its approval for the maiden National Offshore Wind Energy Policy.
The focus of the policy is to harness offshore wind energy potential in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is an area up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Features of National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
Objectives
• Developing offshore wind energy potential in India’s EEZ
• To promote investment in the Energy Infrastructure.
• To Reduce Carbon Emissions.
• To Encourage Indigenization of the Offshore Wind Energy Technology.
• To Promote Research and Development in the Offshore Wind Energy Sector.
• To Create Skilled Manpower and Employment in a new industry
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for the implementation of the policy.
The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is the nodal agency for execution of offshore wind energy projects.
The policy will be applicable throughout the country depending upon offshore wind potential availability.
Significance of the policy
India has high offshore wind energy potential along the coastline of 7600 km. This maiden policy is the right direction to undertake comprehensive measures for the development of this sector.
The policy is also multi-faceted in the sense that it seeks to achieve energy security, development of indigenous technologies in the offshore wind energy sector and achieving environment sustainability.
The policy will also help in creating employment opportunities in coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka where the offshore wind potential is high.
India has achieved significant success in the onshore wind power development, with over 23 GW of wind energy capacity already installed and generating power.
Anupam Kher conferred with Honoured Guest of Texas award
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher was on 7 September 2015 conferred with the Honoured Guest of Texas award for his contribution to the cinema and the world of art.
The 60-year-old actor received the award by Deputy Mayor of Houston Ed Gonzalez on behalf of Texas Governor Greg Abbot.
Earlier in first week of September 2015, he was conferred with a Senate Proclamation award by the Texas State Senate.
Besides, Houston Mayor Annise Parker in August 2015 declared 7 August as Anupam Kher Day in Houston, after success of his show titled Anupam Kher’s play Mera Matalab Vo Nahi Tha (My intention was not that). The show gathered immense popularity in Houston and 15 other cities of America like Toronto, Vancouver and others.
As a result of his success in US, Kher was on 19 August 2015 appointed as UN ambassador for the “HeforShe” campaign for gender equality.
The actor has appeared in Hollywood films like Bend It Like Beckham, Mistress of Spices, Lust, Caution, and Silver Linings Playbook.
Telangana Language Day observed to commemorate birth anniversary of Kaloji Narayana Rao
First Telangana Language Day (Telangana Bhasha Dinosthavam) was observed on 9 September 2015. The day was observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of noted poet Kaloji Narayana Rao, who was called people’s poet.
The day was observed to popularise Telangana Language which has influence of Deccani Urdu, Marathi and Kannada. On the occasion, several programmes, like literary programmes and workshops, were held across the state.
Besides, the state Government also awarded its first ever Kaloji Award on renowned litterateur Dr Ammangi Venugopal for his contribution to the literary world of Telangana.
Kaloji was honoured with Padma Vibhushan award for his contribution for the upliftment of the downtrodden and other social causes. He was a prolific writer and poet in Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu. He is credited for his activist writing and vocal support for the cause of Telangana. He is also respected as a political activist who staunchly opposed the feudal attitude of Nizams.
Background
Telangana Government on 7 September 2015 decided to observe poet Kaloji Narayana Rao’s 100th birth anniversary as Telangana language Day.
The government also decided to institute Kaloji Memorial Award in honour of the poet to honour those who have contributed significantly to Telangana language and literature.
Union Cabinet approved India’s Preferential Treatment to LDCs in Trade in Services in the WTO
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved India’s Preferential Treatment to Least Developed Countries in Trade in Services in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In the realm of Trade in Goods, India has already made a very generous offer to LDCs in the form of a Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTF) scheme.
Features of Preferential Treatment to LDCs
It is applicable to following three areas
• Article XVI of the GATS (Market Access)
• Technical Assistance and capacity building
• Waiver of visa fees for LDC applicants applying for Indian Business and employment visas
While implementation of the article XVI of the GATS will have no direct financial implications, technical assistance and capacity building components and provision related to visa fees will cost 3 crore and 2.5 crore rupees respectively.
Comment
Under the WTO norms, Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) is allowed towards developing countries that include longer time periods for implementing Agreements and commitments or measures to increase trading opportunities for LDCs.
A generous offer in Trade in Services by India will result in goodwill of LDCs towards India and will help India preserve and consolidate its leadership position on LDC issues.
The present move also shows India’s commitment towards implementation of the Doha Development Agenda.
Union cabinet approved guidelines for spectrum trading between service providers
The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved guidelines for spectrum trading between two telecom service providers.
Under the approved norms, spectrum trading will be allowed between two access service providers in 800 MHz/1800 MHz band. Till now, a licensee had the sole authority to use spectrum as it was not tradable.
As per the DoT norms, spectrum assignment is made for a period of 20 years to a licensee. During this period, some operators are able to acquire subscribers and grow at a faster rate as compared to other operators.
This results in the spectrum lying unutilised with some of the players while other operators face spectrum crunch as spectrum is a scare resource.
Hence, the decision to allow spectrum trading is expected to result in the improvement of the quality of services and also helps in addressing the issue of call drops (calls that are cut off due to technical reasons).
J Manjula appointed as Director-General of Electronics and Communication Systems cluster of DRDO
J Manjula was on 9 September 2015 appointed as the Director-General of the Electronics and Communication Systems cluster of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). With this, Manjula became the first woman DG of DRDO.
An alumna of the Osmania University and an electronics and communications engineer, Manjula was the first woman Director of the DRDO's Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE).
She had a brief stint in Electronics Corporation of India Ltd before joining DRDO in 1987. Later, she worked with the Integrated Electronic Warfare cluster of DRDO's Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, Hyderabad for 26 years.
She has designed fast signal acquisition receivers, high power RF systems, responsive jammers and controller software for various systems that were inducted in Army, Navy, Air Force and Paramilitary. Her specialisations include configuration of Communication and Radar ESM and ECM systems.
For her accomplishments, she was given the India Today Woman Summit award for 2014. She is also a recipient of DRDO's Scientist of the Year 2011 and Performance Excellence awards.
World Suicide Prevention Day observed with theme Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was observed on 10 September 2105. The theme of the World Suicide Prevention Day 2015 is Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives.
The theme speaks up to reduce the stigma around talking about suicide prevention. It encourages us all to consider the role that offering support may play in combating suicide.
The day is observed, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health, to host World Suicide Prevention Day. Since 2003, the day is annually observed on 10 September.
Abitha Mary Manuel and Anamika Das bagged bronze medals in 2015 CYG
Abitha Mary Manuel and Anamika Das on 9 September 2015 won bronze medals at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in Apia in Samoa.
Manuel won the medal in girls 800m race, while Das won it in shot put event on the third and final day of athletics competitions.
With the two bronze, India's medal count swelled to 10 in total (4 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze).
Track and field athletes contributed 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze in India's total medal count.
SunEdison Inc, Tamil Nadu Government signed MoU to develop 2-GW projects
US-based global renewable energy company SunEdison Inc, SunEdison on 9 September 2015 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu government to develop 2 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar power projects in the state in the next five years.
The company will invest 12000 crore-14000 crore rupees in the next five years for setting up the projects. Of the 2GW planned projects, 1.2 GW will be solar and the rest will be wind energy. The company will set up the solar projects in small capacities of 10 MW to 50 MW as it requires smaller parcels of land than big projects.
The 2 gigawatts project is a part of SunEdison's larger plan to develop 15.2 gigawatts of renewable energy in the country by 2022. With this MoU, SunEdison will support Tamil Nadu's clean energy future and will make progress towards larger commitment.
The projects will be coming up at Virudunagar, Tuticorin, Tiruchy and Perambalumr in Tamil Nadu.
About SunEdison
• SunEdison is a global renewable energy development company that is transforming the way energy is generated, distributed, and owned around the world.
• The company develops, finances, installs, owns and operates renewable power plants, delivering predictably priced electricity to its residential, commercial, government and utility customers.
Union Government approved 6% hike in DA for Central Government employees
Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved 6 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) pensioners. The notification of DA and DR will be effective from 1 July 2015.
With this announcement the total DA will go up to 119 percent from 113 per cent. This increment will benefit about 50 lakh government employees and 56 lakh pensioners.
The decision to increase DA by six percentage points was taken at a meeting by the Union Cabinet which was chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The increment was made in accordance to the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission.
As per the agreed formula, DA rate increase is an average of 12-month consumer price index-industrial workers from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.
The decision will cost to the public exchequer around 11091.9 crore rupees in the financial year 2015-16 (for a period of 8 months from July, 2015 to February, 2016). DA will be of approximately 6655.14 crore rupees per annum and that of the DR would be 4436.76 crore rupees
DGFT launched online certificate programme Niryat Bandhu@Your Desktop
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 9 September 2015 launched Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop, an online certificate programme in export-import business under the Niryat Bandhu Scheme of Department of Commerce.
This programme will serve the twin objective of Digital India and Skill India. The DGFT collaborated with Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)to launch this innovative online programme for exporters and entrepreneurs.
The Online registration for the programme can be done from 10 September 2015 onwards at http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/home.asp.
Highlights of the Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop
• This online programme will enable them to learn the essentials of export import business from the comfort of their homes, through direct live transmission of the lessons on their desktops.
• The sessions will be followed up by online question answer sessions where they can address their concerns with reputed experts from IIFT.
• A digital resource library shall also be available to them online.
• The first course with a capacity of 60 participants will begin from the first week of October 2015. The course comprises 20 sessions of 2 hours each between 6 pm to 8 pm.
• It is planned to have a similar programme every month for a batch of 60 participants. On successful completion of the programme, the participants will be awarded a certificate jointly by the DGFT and IIFT.
Niryat Bandhu Scheme
The Niryat Bandhu Scheme was announced as part of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 on 13 October, 2011 to focus on mentoring the first generation entrepreneurs in the field of international trade. While an overall allocation of 23.23 crore rupees was made for Plan period (2012-17), an amount of 2 crore rupees was allocated for the financial year 2014-15.
The objective of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme is to reach out to the potential exporters and mentor them through orientation programmes, counselling sessions and individual facilitation for being able to get into international trade and boost exports from India.
More than 18000 people were given orientation on export-import business under the Scheme during the financial year 2014-15.
Acclaimed writer Jhumpa Lahiri awarded with 2014 National Humanities Medal by White House
Short story writer and novelist Jhumpa Lahiri was on 10 September 2015 awarded with the 2014 National Humanities Medal by the White House, United States. The medal was conferred onto her by President Barack Obama at a ceremony at the White House.
Lahiri was among 10 recipients of the award. Other 9 awardees are:
• Annie Dillard, author
• Everett L. Fly, architect and preservationist
• Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, philosopher and novelist
• Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, historian
• Fedwa Malti-Douglas, scholar
• Larry McMurtry, novelist
• Vicki Lynn Ruiz, historian
• Alice Waters, author and food activist
About Jhumpa Lahiri
• Born in London, Lahiri holds a bachelor's degree from Barnard College at Columbia University; master's degrees in English literature, and a Ph.D. in Renaissance studies from BU.
• In July 2015, Lahiri joined the Princeton University faculty as a professor of creative writing in the Lewis Centre for the Arts. Prior to coming to Princeton, Lahiri was a writer in residence at John Cabot University in Rome, and she has held the same position at Vassar College and Baruch College.
• Her debut collection of short stories Interpreter of Maladies came out in 1999, it probes issues of love and identity among immigrants and cultural transplants and also won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the PEN/Hemingway Award and The New Yorker Debut of the Year.
• Her 2013 novel The Lowland was a National Book Award winner. Her 2003 novel The Namesake was released as a film in 2007.
• Lahiri was granted a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2002 and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 2006.
About National Humanities Medal
• The National Humanities Medal, inaugurated in 1997, is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• The award honours individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens' engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.
• Up to 12 medals can be awarded each year.
India, Indonesia signed pact to cooperate on criminal matters
India and Indonesia on 9 September 2015 signed a pact for repatriation of wanted prisoners and cooperation in all criminal matters including gathering evidence.
In this regard, Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official gazette notification for service or execution of summons or warrant in relation to criminal matters in both countries.
Under the agreement, India will execute summons to an accused person or to any person requiring to attend and produce documents or a search-warrant issued by an Indonesian court. While, Indonesia will reciprocate with similar action, if there is any request from any Indian court.
Such summons or warrant shall be sent to the Internal Security Division-II of the Ministry for transmission to the central authority, that is, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia.
Moreover, the summons for attendance of a person in course of an investigation or inquiry in any criminal case, to be served in Indonesia, shall be issued in a particular format and sent to the Internal Security Division-II of the Union Home Ministry for transmission to the central authority.
INS Vajrakosh commissioned by Defence Ministry at Karwar
The INS Vajrakosh was on 9 September 2015 commissioned by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Karwar, Karnataka. INS Vajrakosh is the latest establishment of the Indian Navy.
The Naval units operating out of Karwar are required to be equipped with specialised armaments and missiles. These sophisticated missiles and ammunition require special storage facility and specialised servicing facilities. INS Vajrakosh will have all the required infrastructure to meet these requirements.
The commissioning of INS Vajrakosh, the third naval establishment commissioned in Karwar, will allow the Indian Navy to further bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of its platforms. INS Vajrakosh has some of the most significant naval assets already in service or being inducted.
About INS Vajrakosh
• Indian Naval Station (INS) Vajrakosh was constructed as the second phase of Project Seabird, which was initiated by the Centre in 1985. INS Kadamba had been the first phase commissioned earlier.
• Together with INS Kadamba 20 km away, INS Vajrakosh is now the world's largest naval base east of the Suez Canal.
• It is spread out over 1000 acres, this naval base would be the home base for a bulk of the Indian Navy's strength on the western coast.
• INS Vajrakosh will be the biggest missiles, ammunition and spares dump on the Western Sea Board. It will be base that will equip all warships and airplanes.
Karwar Base of Indian Navy
Karwar Base is the third naval base of Indian Navy in the Western Sea Board, the other two are Bombay, Cochin Harbours. Karwar is expected to emerge as the Indian Navy’s premier base on the Western sea board as some of the vital naval assets are planned to be based there.
The Bombay and Cochin Harbours are over-crowded with commercial traffic. It often takes hours to move in and out of these harbours. From Karwar, it takes a very short time. With this, the Karwar Base will prove to be the major advantage for the Navy.