Memorandum Of Understanding For Arena And Business District: Fill & Download for Free

The answer is Yes. Here’s a gist of what it envisages:To make Amaravati a world-class People’s Capital, the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Singapore in December 2014.The MoU envisages preparation of 1) Capital Region Concept Master Plan, 2) Capital City Master Plan, and 3) Seed Capital Area Detailed Master Plan.Three Stages of Master Plan:1) First Stage: In December 2014, the Government of Singapore, as per its commitment, had submitted the draft Capital Region Concept Master Plan to the Chief Minister. Singapore-based consulting organisations Surbana and Jurong were engaged to prepare the Master Plan for Capital Region.Following some revisions in the plan, the first stage - the Capital Region Plan - was completed and handed over to the Government of AP on March 30, 2015.The Capital Region Concept Master Plan is for an area of about 7,420 sq.km.The Capital Region Plan provides Development Corridors that connect the Capital City and the Regional Centres.The development Corridors provide opportunity for linear developments with Special Use Developments such as clean industries, Infrastructure projects, logistics-based activities are allowed along these corridors.The upcoming national Projects i.e. Dedicated Freight Corridor along East Coast Economic Corridor, High-Speed Rail and Waterway 4 are integrated in the Capital Region Plan.2) Second Stage: On May 25, 2015, Mr. S. Iswaran, Second Minister of Government of Singapore along with the high-level delegation presented the Capital City Master Plan to the Chief Minister in Hyderabad.The Capital City Master Plan is for an area of about 217 sq.km.This Plan will guide the development of Amaravati upto the year 2050.The five key features of the Amravati Master Plan are: i) growing a vibrant economy; ii) creating a liveable Indian city; iii) enhancing connectivity and active mobility; iv) ensuring sustainability; and v) the People’s Capital.Amaravati will be built on land pooled from the contributions of the residents of the region. In return, they will receive plots of commercial and residential land in the city and share in the fruits of development for years to come.The Capital City Area is planned for about 4 million people. Being developed as Capital City and a vibrant business hub, a total of about 1.8 million jobs are expected to be created in various sectors.This would comprise of public sector, light and green industry, service sector IT, Finance, Tourism and support services to meet the requirements of the urban ecosystem.The master plan provides zoning, urban design and development guidelines for the Capital City. This master plan also provides for affordable housing, easy access to amenities such as schools, healthcare services, markets, and shopping malls, libraries and a university.The master plan respects the sense of local identity and enhances appreciation for local heritage.It protects the existing religious and heritage sites and connects them to the network of MRT/BRT and roads to form tourism circuits.Sustainability and efficient management of resources will form another important pillar of this new capital.3) Third Stage: On July 20, 2015, the Seed Capital Area (SCA) Master Plan for Amaravati was presented to Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu in Rajahmundry.Seed Capital Area Master Plan is for an area of about 16.9 sq.km. The Seed Capital Area is planned for about 300,000 residents.Being developed as a vibrant business hub, a total of about 700,000 jobs are expected to be created in various sectors including government jobs.The Seed Capital Area aspiration is to create a thriving state of the art Central Business District (CBD) for business and living.The Seed Capital Area master plan provides nodes and development corridors from transit-oriented development approach.The city’s iconic developments include state-of-the-art government complex, city gateway, cultural centre, convention centre etc.The Seed Capital would be developed in overall 5 phases. The various zones would comprise of central business district, residential townships, institutions, parks and gardens, water bodies, recreational spaces, water front etc.Special emphasis has been laid to develop extensive walkways and pedestrianisation inter-linked with open and green spaces with a blue and green network of more than 25 kms to promote walk-to-work environment and non-motorised transport.The Seed Capital Area master plan provides extensive downtown waterfront, waste management systems that would enable innovative methods for waste collection, transportation, treatment and resource recovery such as Waste-to-Energy, thereby creating a resourceful, safe and healthy city.Socio-economic positioning of Amaravati:1. Capital Complex: The Capital administrative complex will form the core component of the Amaravati Capital city. Administrative facilities such as assembly, secretariat, high court, directorates, etc. will be located within the Capital city.2. Industry & Logistics: The Amaravati Capital city is proposed to house clean and non-polluting industries within its jurisdiction. The rich agricultural production, existing Food Processing eco-system in the region and the significant potential to expand to downstream/high value adding activities aid in the establishment of the sector in the city. Further, the rising income levels, increasing digitization and significant government thrust will trigger the setting up of electronic manufacturing companies in the Amaravati Capital city. The Mega Food Processing Park scheme and Electronic Manufacturing Cluster schemes could also be exploited for the development of physical infrastructure. In addition to the core sectors, support segments such as logistics, packaging and printing are also proposed to be in the city.3. IT/ITeS Zone: The Capital city is proposed to attract a share of the high-growth IT/ITeS sector in the state. The ambitious plans unveiled by the state government for promotion of the sector and the image of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state as one of the key hubs for IT/ITeS activity will aid in the promotion of the sector in the Amaravati Capital city. The zone is proposed to comprise large campuses as well as incubation centers developed for encouraging start-up companies.4. Business District: The Amaravati Capital city is expected to house the large corporate houses, headquarters of banking and financial institutions, etc. The dedicated business district will comprise of a corporate hub, a financial hub and boasts of high rise buildings.5. Knowledge Hub: Keeping in mind the criticality of developing an intellectual capital base, the city is proposed to house premier technical/professional institutions with impetus on R&D and innovation. The knowledge hub will also comprise a dedicated R&D cluster to accommodate micro/SME units focused on innovation and new product development, etc.6. Tourism/Heritage/Leisure Hub: The tourism hub will include development and beautification of existing places of religious/cultural importance as well as the development of new age theme/amusement parks. The hub will also comprise golf courses, sports arenas and other entertainment avenues for senior level executives and general workforce.7. Housing & Support Real Estate: The Amaravati Capital city will have provisions for residential housing for people across various incomes groups (viz. HIG, MIG and LIG/EWS) and support retail, shopping, healthcare, etc.

Jagranjosh Exam Prep: Government, MBA, Engineering, CBSE Notes are very useful for non technical exams.India received highest remittances of USD 69 billion in 2017: World BankApr 24, 2018The top remittance recipients were India with USD 69 billion, followed by China at second (USD 64 billion), the Philippines at 3rd (USD 33 billion), Mexico at 4th (USD 31 billion), Nigeria at 5th (USD 22 billion) and Egypt at 6th (USD 20 billion).President promulgates Fugitive Economic Offenders OrdinanceApr 23, 2018President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, which will allow the government to confiscate properties and assets of loan defaulters who flee the nation. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 12, but it could not be taken up for discussion due to disruptions in the house over various issues.55 percent of all new bank accounts in the world opened from India: Global Findex Report 2017Apr 23, 2018Despite having a relatively high account ownership, India claims a large share of the global unbanked population, after China. Over 190 million Indian adults still do not have a bank account.India to set up natural gas trading hubApr 16, 2018The Union Government plans to set up a natural gas trading hub to boost consumption of natural gas in India. The hub would be used for the trade and supply of natural gas through a market-based mechanism instead of multiple formula driven prices.Indian economy has recovered from impact of demonetisation, GST: World Bank ReportApr 16, 2018India’s growth decelerated during the most of 2016. The withdrawal of currency from circulation (demonetisation) in November 2016 and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax regime added to the slowdown in the economy.RBI directs banks to stop services to businesses dealing in virtual currenciesApr 6, 2018The Reserve Bank of India has directed all the entities regulated by it including banks to stop providing services to businesses dealing in virtual currencies such as bitcoin, in order to protect consumer interest and check money laundering.Panel set up to examine tax evasion risks posed by super richApr 6, 2018The Central Board of Direct Taxes has set up an internal working group to examine the taxation aspects of high net worth individuals (HNWIs). There has been a trend of HNWIs migrating from their country of residence to other jurisdictions, which poses a substantial tax risk, as they may treat themselves as non-residents for taxation purposes.RBI releases First Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2018-19Apr 5, 2018The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 4.44 percent in February 2018 from 5.07 percent in January 2018.Government launches Digital Initiative for Ease of ExportApr 4, 2018Digital initiatives will boost India’s potential for agricultural and food export.Total subscribers under under Atal Pension Yojana crosses 97 lakhApr 3, 2018The subscriber base of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) stood at 97.05 lakh at the end of the 2017-18 fiscal, a tad lower than the target of 1 crore set by the pension regulator PFRDA.E-way Bill System rolled out in IndiaApr 2, 2018The Central helpdesk of GST has made special arrangements with 100 agents to answer queries of taxpayers and transporters related to e-way Bills.Top Cabinet Approvals: 29 March 2018Mar 29, 2018The Union Cabinet approved signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland regarding cooperation and Exchange of Information for the purposes of combating international criminality and tackling serious organised crime.NITI Aayog releases baseline ranking of Aspirational DistrictsMar 29, 2018The NITI Aayog has launched the baseline ranking for 101 aspirational districts based on 49 indicators across several sectors including health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development and basic infrastructure.SEBI accepts most of recommendations of Uday Kotak Committee on Corporate GovernanceMar 29, 2018One of the major recommendations of the committee was to separate the post of CEO or MD and Chairperson of the listed companies.EPFO launches portal for pensionersMar 28, 2018The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has launched a new portal for pensioners, through which EPFO pensioners would be able to the details of pension-related information. The portal will assist users with details such as pension payment order number, payment order details, passbook information and other related information.India, Hong Kong sign double taxation avoidance agreementMar 21, 2018India and Hong Kong have signed a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) to improve transparency in tax matters and help curb tax evasion and avoidance. The treaty will improve transparency in tax matters and prevent double taxation.India, ADB sign $120 million loan to improve rail infrastructureMar 17, 2018The Union Government has signed a $120 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank for completion of works for double-tracking and electrification of railway tracks along high-density corridors to improve operational efficiency of Indian railways.US challenges India's export subsidy programmes at WTOMar 15, 2018As per US trade representative, export subsidy programmes harm American workers by creating an uneven playing field on which they must compete.Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India signs MoU with Reserve Bank of IndiaMar 13, 2018The MoU provides for sharing of information between the RBI and the IBBI, subject to the limitations imposed by the applicable laws.NITI Aayog launches Women Entrepreneurship PlatformMar 8, 2018NITI Aayog launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) on March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s day. The initiative is aimed at building a vibrant ecosystem for women across India to help realise their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses.Iraq becomes India’s biggest oil supplierMar 6, 2018Iraq has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India's top crude oil supplier, meeting more than a fifth of the country's oil needs in the current financial year.Union Cabinet approves setting up of National Financial Reporting AuthorityMar 5, 2018The NFRA will be established as an independent regulator for enforcement of auditing standards and ensuring the quality of audits to strengthen the independence of audit firms and therefore, enhance investor and public confidence in financial disclosures of companies.Union Cabinet approves Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018Mar 5, 2018Union Cabinet has given its assent to the introduction of the Fugitive Economic Offenders bill that aims to punish those who fled India after committing major economic offences such as Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.RBI launches Ombudsman Scheme for NBFCsFeb 26, 2018The scheme will provide a cost-free and expeditious complaint redressal mechanism relating to deficiency in the services by NBFCs.NITI Aayog to soon launch special cell for women entrepreneursFeb 23, 2018The cell, to be called Women Entrepreneurial and Innovation Cell of Niti Aayog, will be headed by Niti Aayog advisor Anna Roy and will offer women financial support through the MUDRA micro-loan scheme.India 7th most targeted nation for Web Application Attacks: Akamai ReportFeb 21, 2018India’s financial industry saw a sharp increase in the number of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in 2017, experiencing 298 DDoS attacks against 37 distinct organisations in the last quarter. The DDoS attacks can bring down websites, disrupt businesses, and divert resources, sometimes serving as cover for more insidious data or systems breaches.UP government signs 900 MoUs ahead of Investors Summit 2018Feb 20, 2018According to the UP’s Industry Minister Satish Mahana, more than 900 MOUs have been signed so far. He claimed that this is the highest number of agreements that have ever been signed with private companies.Ministry of Railways extends upper age limit for ongoing recruitmentFeb 20, 2018The Indian Railways has decided to increase the upper age limit for its ongoing recruitment process for Group C Level-1 and Level-2 posts. The Ministry stated that the last date for submission of the applications will also be extended suitably.India, Iran sign MoU to avoid Double TaxationFeb 19, 2018India and Iran have signed 9 agreements to strengthen their cultural ties, boost connectivity and trade and expand cooperation in various sectors including health, medicine, agriculture, traditional systems of medicine and postal cooperation.PNB’s $1.8 Billion Scam: ExplainedFeb 15, 2018State-owned lender, Punjab National Bank has suspended 10 of its officers and lodged a complaint against celebrity jewellery designer Nirav Modi for committing fraudulent transactions worth over USD 1.77 billion in one of its Mumbai branches.RBI announces Revised Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets; withdraws CDR, SDR, S4A and JLFFeb 13, 2018Through the new set of rules, the RBI aims at creating a harmonised and simplified generic framework for resolution of bad loans. This will force lenders to identify and tackle any stressed-asset accounts more rapidly.India Post Payments Bank to enable Digital Payments in Post Offices by April 2018Feb 10, 2018IPPB plans to leverage the unparalleled reach of the India Post network to achieve a Pan India roll out of 650 branches by 2018.CCEA approves enhancement of target under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala YojanaFeb 8, 2018The Cabinet also approved expansion of the Scheme to cover all SC/ST households, beneficiaries of PMAY (Gramin) and Antyoday Anna Yojana (AAY), Forest dwellers, Most Backward Classes (MBC), Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes, people residing in Islands and rivers, SECC identified households, etc.IBBI amends IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016Feb 7, 2018The Resolution Professional shall appoint two registered valuers to determine the fair value and the liquidation value of the corporate debtor. After the receipt of resolution plans, the resolution professional shall provide the fair value and the liquidation value to each member of the committee of creditors in electronic form, on receiving a confidentiality undertaking.In Detail: Union Budget 2018-19 and Economic SurveyFeb 3, 2018The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 1 February 2018 presented the Union Budget 2018 in the parliament. In the independent India, this is the 88th budget and the fifth of the Modi Sarkar.Key takeaways from Union Budget 2018Feb 2, 2018NITI Aayog will establish a National Programme to direct government's efforts in the area of Artificial Intelligence towards national development. The government will also explore use of blockchain technology proactively to boost digital economy. However, the government will not consider cryptocurrency as legal tender.India joins Ashgabat agreementFeb 2, 2018India has joined the Ashgabat agreement which envisages the establishment of an international transport and transit corridor linking Central Asia with the Persian Gulf to significantly ramp up trade and investment.Union Budget 2018: Fiscal Expenditure & Taxation ReformsFeb 1, 2018No changes in personal income tax slabs. Majorly, the personal income tax collection comes from the salaried class. Around 1.89 crore returns were filed in 2017 and Rs 1.44 lakh crore was paid as taxes.Union Budget 2018: Major HighlightsFeb 1, 2018This year's budget session is crucial as it comes after government's two big financial decisions - demonetisation and the implementation of Goods and Services Tax. It will be also NDA government's last full budget presentation before next year's Lok Sabha elections.Union Budget 2018: Health, MSME and Social WelfareFeb 1, 2018National Health Protection Scheme will be launched to cover 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. Under this, up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to each family per year in secondary and tertiary care institutions. This scheme will have 50 crore beneficiaries. This scheme will generate lakhs of jobs, particularly for women.Union Budget 2018: Financial SectorFeb 1, 2018Emoluments will revised for the President to Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4lakh for Vice-President and Rs 3.5 lakh per month for Governors. Emoluments to MPs will be refixed with effect from April 1, 2018. The law will provide automatic revision of emoluments of MPs after every five years, indexed to inflation.Union Budget 2018: Education SectorFeb 1, 2018the Union Budget 2018 proposes to treat education holistically without segmentation from pre-nursery to Class 12. To improve the quality of teachers and education, the government would be initiating an integrated B.Ed. programme for the teachers.Union Budget 2018: Agriculture SectorFeb 1, 2018Under the Union Budget 2018, the government would be doubling the farmer’s income by 2022 and would be working with the states to ensure that all farmers get a fair price for their produce.Union Budget 2018: UnderprivilegedFeb 1, 2018Under the underpriviledged sector in Union Budget 2018, the government plans to build houses for all the poor in the country by 2022. To ensure the same, it launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in rural and urban areas of the country.India and ADB sign USD 250 million loan to improve rural connectivity in five statesJan 31, 2018This investment program is an addition to the USD 800 million ADB-financed first Rural Connectivity Investment Program in 2012 that added about 9000 kilometres of all-weather rural roads in the same States.India ranked as 6th wealthiest country in the world: ReportJan 31, 2018A report by New World Wealth has ranked India in the sixth position in the list of wealthiest countries. It noted that India was the best-performing wealth market globally in 2017, as its total wealth increased from USD 6,584 billion in 2016 to USD 8,230 billion in 2017, registering a 25 per cent growth.Union Budget 2018: Everything ExplainedJan 31, 2018The union budget is an important part of Indian economy and polity. There are some changes in the budget due to its merger with railway budget. We have elaborated the entire constitutional procedure of the budget that how it is formed and presented.Centre launches GeM 3.0 with enhanced featuresJan 31, 2018The third version of the Government e-Marketplace, GEM 3.0, envisaged by the Union Government as the National Procurement Portal of India has been launched.Economic Survey 2017-18: Ease of Doing Business’ Next Frontier-Timely JusticeJan 30, 2018The government’s efforts to make business and commerce easy have been widely acknowledged. The next frontier on the ease of doing business is addressing pendency, delays and backlogs in the appellate and judicial arenas. Coordinated action between government and the judiciary-- a kind of horizontal Cooperative Separation of Powers to complement vertical Cooperative Federalism between the central and state governments would address the “Law’s delay” and boost economic activity.Economic Survey 2017-18: Top 10 facts on Indian EconomyJan 30, 2018The new Economic survey of 2017-18 reveals that there has been a 50 per cent increase in unique taxpayers under the GST in comparison with the pre-GST system and also a boost in exports of ready-made garments.Economic Survey 2017-18: Key HighlightsJan 30, 2018The Economic Survey 2017-18 was tabled in the Parliament on January 29, 2018 by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Major reforms were undertaken in 2017 including the launch of the transformational Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July.India, ASEAN member states release joint statement ‘Delhi Declaration’Jan 27, 2018India hosted the leaders of the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for two-day ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit that began on January 25, 2018 in New Delhi, under the theme of ‘Shared Values, Common Destiny’.Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks to offer Atal Pension YojanaJan 27, 2018The Union Government has allowed Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks to offer Atal Pension Yojana (APY). The Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks are new age banks and given the strength, expertise and reach of these banks, they can play a pivotal role in the outreach of subscribers under APY.India ranked 81st on Global Talent Competitiveness IndexJan 24, 2018India has been ranked 81st on the annual global index of talent competitiveness, which was released on the first day of the 48th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.India to surpass China as fastest growing large economy in 2018Jan 22, 2018The Sanctum Wealth Management report predicts that India will become the fastest growing large economy in the world in 2018, surpassing even China and the country’s equity market will jump to become the fifth largest in the world.GST Council cuts rate on 82 goods and services, introduces measures against tax evasionJan 20, 2018The 25th GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has recommended rate cuts on 83 items including 53 services and 29 goods and the introduction of ‘anti-evasion measures’ to take care of faltering indirect tax revenue.Department of Commerce, CII sign MoU for development of Logistics sectorJan 17, 2018The Department of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for setting-up of an institutional mechanism for the integrated development of Logistics sector in the country.Cabinet approves continuation of MPLAD Scheme beyond 12th PlanJan 10, 2018The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) led by the Prime Minister has given its nod to the continuation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) till the term of the 14th Finance Commission i.e. 31st March 2020.India to regain top spot with GDP pegged at 7.3% in 2018-19: World BankJan 10, 2018According to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report, India’s economy will grow by 6.7% during the current fiscal year, higher than the 6.5% estimate by the Indian government. The report said that With this growth, India is set to regain the top spot in world's fastest-growing economies.RBI introduces Rs 10 banknote in Mahatma Gandhi (New) SeriesJan 5, 2018The new denomination has motif of Sun Temple, Konark on the reverse, depicting the country's cultural heritage. The base colour of the note is Chocolate Brown. The dimension of the banknote will be 63 mm x 123 mm.GOI launches 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018Jan 5, 2018The Government of India has launched 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 scheme to enable resident citizens/HUF to invest in a taxable bond, without any monetary ceiling. This new saving scheme will commenced on 10th January 2018.CCEA approves construction, operation and maintenance of Zojila tunnel in J&KJan 4, 2018The construction of this tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. The project excludes approaches on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A at Km 95.00 and at Km 118.00.CCEA approves mandatory packaging of foodgrains in Jute MaterialsJan 4, 2018CCEA approved the mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987. The approval mandates that 90 per cent of the food grains and 20 per cent of the sugar products shall be mandatorily packed in jute bags. It's provision for 100 per cent packing of food grains in jute bags is subjected to the ability of the jute industry to meet the requirement.Government notifies terms of Electoral BondsJan 3, 2018In a bid to cleanse the system of political funding in the country, the Government of India notified the Scheme of Electoral Bonds. With the issuance of electoral bonds, the donors can purchase electoral bonds from specific State Bank of India (SBI) branches, and receiving political parties can encash them only through a designated bank account.Saudi Arabia, UAE become first Gulf nations to introduce VATJan 2, 2018Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the very first time on 1 January 2018. The move is a first for the Gulf region, which has long boasted of a tax-free system.India signs USD 40 Million Loan Agreement with World Bank for UP TourismDec 29, 2017The Project will support the state government’s priority of re-structuring tourism benefiting poor residents and local entrepreneurs such as rickshaw drivers, local artisans and street vendors.India signs US$ 125 million worth financing agreement with World BankDec 20, 2017India has signed a financing agreement worth US$ 125 million with the World Bank for ‘Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement Operation (Strive) Project”.Niti Aayog to set up Methanol Economy FundDec 20, 2017The Niti Aayog is planning to set up a Methanol Economy Fund with a corpus of Rs 4,000-5,000 crore to promote production and use of the clean fuel. Methanol can be used as a transportation fuel, energy producing fuel and cooking fuel. It could play a huge role in bringing down India’s oil import bill by an estimated 20% over the next few years.CBDT extends deadline for linking of Aadhaar with PAN to 31 March 2018Dec 8, 2017All taxpayers having Aadhaar Number or Enrolment Number are required to link Aadhaar with Permanent Account Number as per the provisions of recently introduced section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961.RBI releases Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2017-18Dec 7, 2017After assessing the current and evolving macroeconomic situation in the economy, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the Repo Rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.0 per cent. Consequently, the Reverse Repo Rate was also kept unchanged at 5.75 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate remained at 6.25 per cent.RBI rationalises charges on debit card transactionsDec 7, 2017The Reserve Bank of India, In order to promote digital payments, came out with differentiated merchant discount rates (MDR) for debit card transactions, prescribing separate caps for small and large traders. The shift is aimed at giving a boost to the digital transactions in the country, as the government is not seeing any expected result despite giving a major thrust to digital payments.India submits document to oppose e-commerce talks at WTODec 4, 2017India has for the first time submitted a formal document opposing any talks on e-commerce at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The submission comes ahead of the key ministerial conference of the WTO, where India is likely to face pressure from many countries to begin talks to open cross-border digital trade. The document submitted by India at WTO is a proposed agreement that could become an actual announcement if enough members are in agreement with it and pertinent changes are made to it to suit all.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launches Paytm Payments BankNov 30, 2017Paytm Payments Bank aims to bring Indians into 'digital economy'. With the launch of the Bank, Paytm account holders can enjoy the benefits like zero-balance account, free IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, UPI transactions and a complimentary virtual Rupay cards for online transactions.15th Finance Commission constituted under the chairmanship of NK SinghNov 28, 2017The other members of the 15th Finance Commission are Shaktikanta Das, former Secretary to Union Government and Anoop Singh, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University. While, Chairman of Bandhan Bank Ashok Lahiri and Member of NITI Aayog Ramesh Chand will be the Part time members of the Commission. Arvind Mehta will be the Secretary to the Commission.CCEA approves expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao for Pan India coverageNov 23, 2017The expansion includes Multi sectoral intervention in 244 districts in addition to existing 161 districts and 235 districts will be covered through Alert District Media, Advocacy and Outreach.Cabinet approves setting up of the 15th Finance CommissionNov 23, 2017The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of the 15th Finance Commission. The decision was a constitutional obligation under Article 280 (1) of the Constitution. The Terms of Reference for the 15th Finance Commission will be notified soon.Moody's upgrades India's sovereign rating after 14 yearsNov 17, 2017US credit rating agency Moody's raised India's sovereign rating to Baa2 from its lowest investment grade of Baa, while changing the outlook for the country's rating to stable from positive. Since 2004, Moody raised the sovereign rating for the first time ignoring a haze of short-term economic uncertainties to bet on the nation’s prospects from a raft of policy changes by the government.Cabinet approves the establishment of the National Anti-profiteering Authority under GSTNov 17, 2017The Union Cabinet led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its consent for the creation of the posts of Chairman and Technical Members of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under GST. The decision was followed up immediately after the sharp reduction in the GST rates of a large number of items of mass consumption. This paves the way for the immediate establishment of this apex body, which is mandated to ensure that the benefits of the reduction in GST rates on goods or services are passed on to the ultimate consumers by way of a reduction in prices.Union Government launches BHARAT-22 Exchange Traded FundNov 15, 2017Union Government's key Economic Reforms may also benefit ETF. These reforms are Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016, Digital Economy, Bank recapitalization, GST, Liberalization of FDI, Introduction of Daily Fuel pricing, Revival package for DISCOMs, etc.India to be third largest economy by 2028, says reportNov 14, 2017India is likely to achieve strong growth over the next decade and emerge as the world’s third-largest economy, overtaking Japan in nominal GDP by 2028, says a report titled ‘India 2028’ by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.Cabinet approves Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and ColombiaNov 12, 2017The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing the Joint Interpretative Declaration (JID) between India and Colombia.RBI directs banks to provide doorstep banking facilities to senior citizens, differently-abledNov 10, 2017The Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to provide doorstep banking facilities to senior citizens who are more than 70 years of age and differently-abled persons by December 2017.GST rate on various mass consumption items reduced to 18 per centNov 10, 2017All types of chewing gum, chocolates, preparation for facial make-up, shaving and after-shave items, shampoo deodorants, washing powder detergent and granite and marble will now attract 18 per cent GST rate.RBI to launch public awareness campaign through text messagesNov 9, 2017The Reserve Bank of India would soon be launching a new public awareness campaign through text messages to educate public about various banking regulations and available facilities.India slips to 7th position in Business Optimism RankingNov 9, 2017According to the most recent Grant Thornton International Business Report India has slipped to the 7th position in the Business Optimism Index (BOI) in the September quarter, from the second position in the previous three months. The survey suggests that this ranking is showing the clear signs of lag in the economy.Haryana government signs Rs 20,000 Cr worth MoU to set up trading hubNov 3, 2017The state government Haryana on 2 November 2017 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an integrated trade facilitation services organisation - Verbind - to set up a logistics and trading hub in the state.CBDT notifies rules for furnishing Master File and Country-by-Country ReportNov 2, 2017The report of Master File needs to be submitted in Form 3CEAA and the Country-by-Country Report in Form 3CEAD. An international group having multiple Indian constituent entities can designate one constituent entity to furnish the Master File.PFRDA increases maximum age of joining under NPS-Private Sector to 65 yearsNov 2, 2017With this, any Indian Citizen, resident or non-resident, between the age of 60- 65 years can now join NPS and continue up to the age of 70 years in NPS. Moreover, the subscribers who are willing to join NPS at the later stage of life will be able to avail the benefits of NPS.CCEA approves Special Banking Arrangement for payment to fertilizer companiesNov 2, 2017Union Government is making fertilizers available to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers or importers. For making funds available to the fertilizer companies against the subsidy claims, Union Ministry of Finance had approved SBA for an amount of Rs 10000 crore with Government interest liability limited to G-Sec rate.World Bank releases Doing Business Report 2018: India ranks 100 among 190 countriesNov 1, 2017India jumped over 30 ranks this year to attain 100th spot in the ease of doing business list. It was ranked at 130th position in the 2017 Doing Business Report. India is the only country in South Asia and BRICS economies to feature among most improved economies of the DB Report this year.Union Government constitutes Arun Jaitley led committee to oversee PSU bank mergersNov 1, 2017Earlier in 2017 itself, the banking sector witnessed the consolidation of State Bank of India (SBI), which merged operations of its five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with itself, marking the first consolidation move following the bad loan crisis.India sends first shipment to Afghanistan through Iran’s Chabahar portOct 30, 2017India has sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through Iran’s Chabahar port. The move has been seen as a landmark one to operationalise the new strategic transit route, bypassing Pakistan. The shipment was flagged off from Kandla port in Gujarat by Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani.India imposes anti-dumping duty on stainless steel from US, EU and ChinaOct 26, 2017India has imposed anti-dumping duty on certain stainless steel products from the European Union and other nations including China and Korea, in order to protect the domestic industry from cheap imports.Qatar to introduce minimum wage for workersOct 26, 2017Qatar has announced that it would be introducing a minimum wage for workers. The country has been under global scrutiny over its alleged ill-treatment of migrant labourers.RBI sets up task force on Public Credit RegistryOct 24, 2017The task force will be headed by YM Deosthalee, ex-CMD of L&T Finance Holdings. The other members of the task force are Sekar Karnam, Vishaka Mulye, Rashesh Shah, Sriram Kalyanaraman, Bidisha Ganguly, Sharad Sharma, Vivek Srivastava, Parvathy V. Sundaram and Anujit Mitra.GSTN launches offline option for GSTR-3B returns filingOct 23, 2017This offline facility will provide an opportunity to the taxpayer to verify the details of GSTR 3B before filing GSTR-3B returns and minimise chances of error. It is designed to help taxpayers to prepare their GSTR-3B return on their computer system.Banks to now match original IDs with photocopies: PMLAOct 23, 2017The Government has set a mandatory rule for banks and financial institutions (FIs) to check the original identification documents of individual person dealing in cash above the prescribed threshold of fifty thousand rupees, to tackle the use of forged or fake copies.Three- pronged approach for structural reform in India: IMFOct 14, 2017The IMF has suggested a 3-pronged approach for structural reform in India that includes Addressing the banking and corporate sector weaknesses, continued fiscal consolidation through revenue measure, and Improving the efficiency of labour and product markets.Union Minister launches Sampoorna Bima Gram YojanaOct 13, 2017The Union Minister for Communications, Manoj Sinha has launched the Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana, an initiative for expansion of client base of Postal Life Insurance. The main objective of the scheme is to cover all households in the identified Sampoorna Bima Gram village.RBI introduces strict KYC guidelines for Prepaid Payment InstrumentsOct 13, 2017RBI has announced a fresh guideline on the issuance and operation of PPI (Prepaid Payment Instruments). It has also has issued stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for the users of prepaid instrument or mobile wallets. With these guidelines to complete full KYC formalities, the mobile wallet user can now send-receive money between wallets of different companies and banks seamlessly through Unified Payments Interface (UPI).