NATIONAL:
1. Pre-loaded Sim Card for Tourists arriving in India on E-visa
The ministry of Tourism and Culture, launched the initiative for providing pre-loaded Sim Card to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.
This unique initiative will facilitate the foreign tourists in communicating with their acquaintances immediately after their arrival in India.
* Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism had also launched a 24 x 7 Tourist Helpline 1800111363 in twelve foreign languages so that the foreign tourists can get the required information in their own language.
* This initiative has been launched in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., (BSNL), wherein BSNL would distribute pre-loaded SIM Cards to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa. This facility will be initially available in the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3 Terminal), New Delhi and later cover remaining 15 international airports, where e-Visa facility is currently available.
* To avail pre-loaded Sim Card, BSNL will collect e-Visa copy and the first page of passport from foreign tourists on arrival at the airport. This facility is only available for tourists arriving in India on e-Visa. Sim cards will be pre-loaded with a value of Rs. 50 talk time and 50 MB data and will be activated on immediate basis so as to enable them use this facility instantly.
* This initiative is also aimed at providing connectivity to foreign tourists to enable them to stay in touch with their near and dear ones and also help them to contact with the 24×7 Multi lingual toll free helpline of Ministry of Tourism for any assistance and guidance during times of distress / medical emergency, etc.
2. Publications Division, Sasta Sahitya Mandal signed MoU for joint publication of books
The Publications Division and Sasta Sahitya Mandal (SSM) on 14 February 2017 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.
The MoU facilitates joint publication of books on heroes of the Indian freedom struggle, cultural leaders and other eminent personalities who worked towards nation development.
Features of the MoU :
The MoU is a joint initiative between the Publications Division and the SSM to sensitise the young generation about India’s rich and diverse culture and history.
The agreement would promote availability of good literature for the people on diverse topics.
The MoU includes joint publication of a set of 20 books out of which 10 books will be selected through each other’s catalogue.
In addition, a set of 10 small new books would be finalized on topics such as the freedom struggle, Indian culture, ethics and values for joint publication.
The agreement would also provide an opportunity for both the organizations to enhance their reach by displaying and offering on sale any of publications published by either of the organizations.
Publications Division : It is a media unit under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Publications Division is a repository of books and journals highlighting subjects of national importance and India’s rich cultural heritage.
The mandate of the organisation is to preserve national heritage and disseminate the same through the production and sale of quality reading material at affordable prices.
It publishes books in Hindi, English and other regional languages and market them through its nationwide sales network.
INTERNATIONAL:
3. India’s air pollution is world’s deadliest compared to China: Study
According to a new study of global air pollution India’s rapidly worsening air pollution is now surpassing China’s as the deadliest in the world. The report was issued jointly by Health Effects Institute, a Boston research institute focused on the health effects of air pollution, and Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle based population health research centre.
The number of premature deaths in China caused by dangerous air particles PM2.5, has stabilised globally in recent years but has risen sharply in India. About 1.1 million people to die prematurely each year in India which has registered an alarming increase of nearly 50% in premature deaths from particulate matter between 1990 and 2015 period.
Global Scenario:
The air pollution in recent times has worsened in parts of the world, including South Asia, but it improved in the United States and Europe.
US and Europe:
Environmental regulations in US and actions taken by European Commission have led to substantial progress in reducing fine particulate matter (PM) pollution from industrialisation since 1990. US has experienced a reduction of about 27% in the average annual exposure to fine PM and there has been smaller declines in Europe. that reduced emissions from industrialisation
Particulate Matters are fine particles, less than fraction of the width of a human hair. These particles are released from vehicles, particularly those with diesel engines, industry, as well as from natural sources like dust.
They enter the bloodstream through the lungs, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and worsening cardiac disease, in addition also causing severe respiratory problems, like pneumonia and asthma.
4. India to join Moscow meet on Afghanistan
- In a recent development, India is among six nations participating in a conference on Afghanistan’s future in Moscow on 15th February, 2017.
- Incidentally, this is roughly two months after Russia hosted a similar conference with only China and Pakistan.
- It is important to note that after India and particularly Afghanistan objected to being cut out of the discussion, Moscow agreed to expand its ambit, announcing a six-nation conference of Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan.
- It is reported that the issue of exclusion was raised by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar during his talks with the Russian delegation at the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar in early December last year.
- MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “India has always believed in close and constructive cooperation for peace, stability, security and development in Afghanistan. To this end we actively participate in several bilateral and multilateral consultations.”
The Geopolitical Situation
- India is increasingly uncomfortable with Russia’s overtures to Pakistan on defence issues.
- Significantly, Russia did not join the U.S., U.K. and France in sponsoring a resolution against Jaish chief Masood Azhar at the U.N. sanctions committee last month, a resolution which China then put a hold on.
- Russia has been seen as favouring a softer line on the Taliban as a counter to the spread of Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan.
- Russia and China have also been coordinating closely to demand the delisting of senior Taliban leaders designated as terrorists by the U.N. sanctions committee.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY:
5. I-T dept. to lauch app for paying tax
In step with government’s digital India drive, the Income Tax department is developing an app that will soon allow assesses to pay taxes or apply for PAN using smart phones.
** The department is also working on a project to issue PAN to assess within minutes by way of e-KYC authentication using Aadhaar, a move that will help bring more people under the tax net by making it easier for people to get Permanent Account Numbers.
** The app concept is at a preliminary stage. The app will enable assesses to pay taxes online, apply for PAN or track tax returns. Pilot project will be undertaken after getting approval from the Finance Ministry
** Aadhaar-based e-KYC facility would allow individuals or entities wanting to apply for PAN to verify details such as date of birth or address by way of biometric identification using thumb impressions.
** So far, more than 111 crore Aadhar numbers have been issued. The unique identification number is being used for getting a new SIM card, for opening bank accounts; transfer of subsidies and also for biometric based digital payments under Aadhaar Enabled Payment System.
** As per the government estimate, every year 2.5 crore people across the country apply for PAN cards. There are currently more than 25 crore PAN cardholders in the country.
** Government has made PAN quoting mandatory for cash withdrawals of Rs 50,000 and cash purchase of above Rs 2 lakh.
** Beginning January 1, the tax department has started issuing newly designed PAN cards that have added security features to make them tamper-proof and with contents written in both Hindi and English.
6. Airbus signs MoU for setting up centre of excellence in Hyderabad
The multinational Airbus Group division Airbus joined hand with Telangana government, National Skill Development Corporation India and AERO CAMPUS France for establishing a Centre of Excellence at at Begumpet Airport for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad
To enhance the employability of young aspirants by imparting the required skills to them
Highlights of the Centre :
To train candidates ranging from high school graduates to experienced aviation personnel on aircraft manufacturing, logistics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), ground handling and special aviation processes
To offer short-term refresher modules as well as long-term certificate and diploma courses that will find acceptability within the industry
To provide training on aerospace manufacturing and assembling
