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There are no shortcuts to writing a winning Business Plan for a project that needs external funding. ​​Business plans are critical to the success of any new venture. It’s important to outline a business plan carefully. All the variables need to be considered carefully. Seeking inputs from others while creating a Business Plan is a great way to get an objective view since it’s way too important to get that element of objectivity in.As with most things in the business world, the size and scope of a business plan depends on the specific goals. If drafting it for investors, the plan needs to be more detailed. Potential investors might not be as familiar with the proposed industry so one has to clearly explain the concept and where it fits in.A business plan can take many forms, depending on the venture. But most plans will include the following main sections:Executive SummaryWithin the overall outline of the business plan, the executive summary will follow the title page. The summary should tell the reader what you want. This is very important. It must clearly state what the project promoter is asking for in the summary.The statement should be kept short and businesslike, probably no more than half a page. It could be longer, depending on how complicated the use of funds may be, but the summary of a business plan, like the summary of a loan application, is generally no longer than one page. Within that space, one needs to provide a synopsis of his/her entire business plan. This is the five-minute elevator pitch. It may include:A table of contentsCompany backgroundMarket opportunityManagement overviewsCompetitive advantagesFinancial highlights.It’s probably easiest to write the detailed sections first and then extract the cream to create the executive summary. Our expert team tries to keep it to just a couple of pages.Business Description and StructureThe business description usually begins with a short description of the industry. When describing the industry, it discusses the present outlook as well as future possibilities. Information is provided on all the various markets within the industry, including any new products or developments that will benefit or adversely affect the proposed project. All observations must be based on reliable data . The investor will want to know just how dependable the information is, and won't risk money on assumptions or conjecture.Emphasis is to concentrate on its structure. By structure we mean the type of operation, i.e. wholesale, retail, food service, manufacturing or service-oriented. Also whether the business is new or already established.In addition to structure, legal composition must be reiterated in regard to whether the business is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, who its principals are, and what they will bring to the business.Once the project has been described, the products or services need to be described as well. The product description statement should be complete enough to give the reader a clear idea of the promoter's intentions. Unique features or variations from concepts that can typically be found in the industry are always helpful.Giving the project a competitive edge is critical to positive assessment.Market Research and StrategiesTarget Market needs to be defined. Market strategies are the result of a meticulous market analysis. A market analysis forces the entrepreneur to become familiar with all aspects of the market so that the target market can be defined and the company can be positioned in order to garner its share of sales. A market analysis also enables the entrepreneur to establish pricing, distribution and promotional strategies that will allow the company to become profitable within a competitive environment. In addition, it provides an indication of the growth potential within the industry, and this allows the promoter to develop his own estimates for the future of his business. The target market narrows down the total market by concentrating on segmentation factors that will determine the total addressable market--the total number of users within the sphere of the business's influence. The segmentation factors can be geographic, customer attributes or product-oriented.Once the target market has been detailed, it needs to be further defined to determine the total feasible market. This can be done in several ways, but most professional planners will delineate the feasible market by concentrating on product segmentation factors that may produce gaps within the market.The total feasible market is the portion of the market that can be captured provided every condition within the environment is perfect and there is very little competition. In most industries this is simply not the case. There are other factors that will affect the share of the feasible market a business can reasonably obtain. These factors are usually tied to the structure of the industry, the impact of competition, strategies for market penetration and continued growth, and the amount of capital the business is willing to spend in order to increase its market share.Spelling out the market analysis and describe the marketing strategy, including sales forecasts, deadlines and milestones, advertising, public relations decides how the proposed project stacks up against competition.Management and PersonnelProviding bios of the project promoter's company executives and managers and explaining how their expertise will help the promoter meet business goals is another important aspect. Investors need to evaluate risk, and often, a management team with lots of experience may lower perceived risk.Financial DocumentsThis is where the numbers are provided that back up everything that has been described in the organizational and marketing sections. Conservative projections of profit and loss statements, balance sheet, and cash flow statements for the next five to ten years. These are forward-looking projections, not the current accounting outputs.Revenue Generation:The factors that will make the project successful needs to be emphasized and listed here so a definite pattern of revenue generation emerges. This is the most important as well as crucial part of the Business Plan that overwhelmingly influence investor decisions. It must be explained why the added equity or debt money is going to make the project viable and more profitable. A potential lender is going to want to know how successful the project is going to be. Factors that support promoter's claims for success must be mentioned briefly. This gives the reader an idea of the experience of the other key people in the business. They'll want to know what suppliers or experts the promoter has spoken to about his business and their response to his/her idea. They may even ask the promoter to clarify your choice of location or reasons for selling a particular product.Projecting Market Share :Arriving at a projection of the market share for a business plan is very much a subjective estimate. It's based on not only an analysis of the market but on highly targeted and competitive distribution, pricing and promotional strategies. Even though there may be a sizable number of customers to form the total feasible market, the project promoter needs to be able to reach them through his distribution network at a price point that's competitive, and then he has to let them know it's available and where they can buy it. achieving effective distribution, pricing and promotional goals determines the extent to which the project owner will be able to garner market share.For a business plan, our experts estimate market share for the time period the plan will cover. In order to project market share over the time frame of the business plan, our experts consider two factors:1. Industry growth which will increase the total number of users. Most projections utilize a minimum of two growth models by defining different industry sales scenarios. The industry sales scenarios should be based on leading indicators of industry sales, which will most likely include industry sales, industry segment sales, demographic data and historical precedence.2. Conversion of users from the total feasible market. This is based on a sales cycle similar to a product life cycle where there are five distinct stages:early pioneer users,early users,early majority users,late majority users, andlate users.Using conversion rates, market growth will continue to increase the market share during the period from early pioneers to early majority users, level off through late majority users, and decline with late users.Defining the market is but one step in the analysis. With the information gained through market research, our experts develop strategies that will allow the promoter to fulfill the project objectives.Positioning The Proposed Business:When discussing market strategy, it's inevitable that positioning will be brought up. A company's positioning strategy is affected by a number of variables that are closely tied to the motivations and requirements of target customers within as well as the actions of primary competitors.Before a product can be positioned, several strategic questions need to be answered such as:How are competitors positioning themselves?What specific attributes does the product have that its competitors' don't?What customer needs does the product fulfill?Once these strategic questions have been answered based on research of the market, our experts develop the positioning strategy and illustrate that in the business plan. A positioning statement for a business plan doesn't have to be long or elaborate. It spells out exactly how the promoter wants his product perceived by both customers and the competition.Pricing:How the product is priced is important because it will have a direct effect on the success of the project. Though pricing strategy and computations can be complex, the basic rules of pricing are straightforward:All prices must cover costs.The best and most effective way of lowering your sales prices is to lower costs.Prices must reflect the dynamics of cost, demand, changes in the market and response to esixting competition.Prices must be established to assure sales.Product utility, longevity, maintenance and end use must be judged continually, and target prices adjusted accordingly.Prices must be set to preserve order in the marketplace.There are many methods of establishing prices:Cost-plus pricing. Used mainly by manufacturers, cost-plus pricing assures that all costs, both fixed and variable, are covered and the desired profit percentage is attained.Demand pricing. Used by companies that sell their product through a variety of sources at differing prices based on demand.Competitive pricing. Used by companies that are entering a market where there is already an established price and it is difficult to differentiate one product from another.Markup pricing. Used mainly by retailers, markup pricing is calculated by adding your desired profit to the cost of the product. Each method listed above has its strengths and weaknesses.Distribution:Distribution includes the entire process of moving the product from the factory to the end user. The type of distribution network you choose will depend upon the industry and the size of the market. Our experts analyze the competitors to determine the channels they are using, then decide whether to use the same type of channel or an alternative that may provide the promoter with a strategic advantage.As we've mentioned already, the distribution strategy the promoter chooses for his product will be based on several factors that include the channels being used by the competition, pricing strategy and own internal resources.Promotion Plan:With a distribution strategy formed, promoter must develop a promotion plan. The promotion strategy in its most basic form is the controlled distribution of communication designed to sell the product or service. In order to accomplish this, the promotion strategy encompasses every marketing tool utilized in the communication effort.Sales Potential:Once the market has been researched and analyzed, conclusions need to be developed that will supply a quantitative outlook concerning the potential of the business. The first financial projection within the business plan must be formed utilizing the information drawn from defining the market, positioning the product, pricing, distribution, and strategies for sales. The sales or revenue model charts the potential for the product, as well as the business, over a set period of time. Most business plans will project revenue for up to three years, although five-year projections are becoming increasingly popular among lenders.Competitive AnalysisIdentify and Analyze the Competition : The competitive analysis is a statement of the business strategy and how it relates to the competition. The purpose of the competitive analysis is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors within the market, strategies that will provide the project promoter with a distinct advantage, the barriers that can be developed in order to prevent competition from entering one's own market, and any weaknesses that can be exploited within the product development cycle.Design and Development Plan:The purpose of the design and development plan is to provide investors with a description of the product's design, chart its development within the context of production, marketing and the company itself, and create a development budget that will enable the company to reach its goals.There are generally three areas you'll cover in the development plan section:Product developmentMarket developmentOrganizational developmentEach of these elements needs to be examined from the funding of the plan to the point where the business begins to experience a continuous income. Although these elements will differ in nature concerning their content, each will be based on structure and goals.Goals For Product Development:Goals for product development should center on the technical as well as the marketing aspects of the product so that there is a focused outline from which the development team can work. Organizational goals would center on the acquisition of expertise in order to attain product and market-development goals. This expertise usually needs to be present in areas of key assets that provide a competitive advantage. Without the necessary expertise, the chances of bringing a product successfully to market diminish.Procedures:With goals set and expertise in place, set of procedural tasks or work assignments for each area of the development plan is put in place. Procedures will have to be developed for product development, market development, and organization development. In some cases, product and organization can be combined if the list of procedures is short enough.The development of procedures provides a list of work assignments that need to be accomplished, but one thing it doesn't provide are the stages of development that coordinate the work assignments within the overall development plan. Our experts suggest means to amend the work assignments created in the procedures section so that all the individual work elements are accounted for in the development plan. The next stage involves setting deliverable dates for components as well as the finished product for testing purposes. There are primarily three steps you need to go through before the product is ready for final delivery:Preliminary product review. All the product's features and specifications are checked.Critical product review. All the key elements of the product are checked and gauged against the development schedule to make sure everything is going according to plan.Final product review. All elements of the product are checked against goals to assure the integrity of the prototype.Scheduling and CostsThis is one of the most important elements in the development plan. Scheduling includes all of the key work elements as well as the stages the product must pass through before customer delivery. It should also be tied to the development budget so that expenses can be tracked. But its main purpose is to establish time frames for completion of all work assignments and juxtapose them within the stages through which the product must pass.Development Budget:That leads us into a discussion of the development budget. When formulating the development budget, our experts take into account all the expenses required to design the product and to take it from prototype to production.Costs that should be included in the development budget include:Material. All raw materials used in the development of the product.Direct labor. All labor costs associated with the development of the product.Overhead. All overhead expenses required to operate the business during the development phase such as taxes, rent, phone, utilities, office supplies, etc.G&A costs. The salaries of executive and administrative personnel along with any other office support functions.Marketing & sales. The salaries of marketing personnel required to develop pre-promotional materials and plan the marketing campaign that should begin prior to delivery of the product.Professional services. Those costs associated with the consultation of outside experts such as accountants, lawyers, and business consultants.Miscellaneous Costs. Costs that are related to product development.Capital equipment. To determine the capital requirements for the development budget.Assessing Risks:Finally, the risks involved in developing the product should be assessed and a plan developed to address each one. The risks during the development stage will usually center on technical development of the product, marketing, personnel requirements, and financial problems. By identifying and addressing each of the perceived risks during the development period, you will allay some of your major fears concerning the project and those of investors as well.Operations & Management:The operations and management plan is designed to describe just how the business functions on a continuing basis. The operations plan will highlight the logistics of the organization such as the various responsibilities of the management team, the tasks assigned to each division within the company, and capital and expense requirements related to the operations of the business. In fact, within the operations plan you'll develop the next set of financial tables that will supply the foundation for the "Financial Components" section.The financial tables that you'll develop within the operations plan include:The operating expense tableThe capital requirements tableThe cost of goods tableThere are two areas that need to be accounted for when planning the operations of your company. The first area is the organizational structure of the company, and the second is the expense and capital requirements associated with its operation.Calculate Overhead Expenses:Once the organization's operations have been planned, the expenses associated with the operation of the business can be developed. These are usually referred to as overhead expenses. Overhead expenses refer to all non-labor expenses required to operate the business. Expenses can be divided into fixed (those that must be paid, usually at the same rate, regardless of the volume of business) and variable or semivariable (those which change according to the amount of business).Overhead expenses usually include the following:TravelMaintenance and repairEquipment leasesRentAdvertising & promotionSuppliesUtilitiesPackaging & shippingPayroll taxes and benefitsUncollectible receivablesProfessional servicesInsuranceLoan paymentsDepreciationIn order to develop the overhead expenses for the expense table used in this portion of the business plan, you need to multiply the number of employees by the expenses associated with each employee. Therefore, if NE represents the number of employees and EE is the expense per employee, the following equation can be used to calculate the sum of each overhead (OH) expense: OH = NE * EEDevelop a Capital Requirements Table:In addition to the expense table, you'll also need to develop a capital requirements table that depicts the amount of money necessary to purchase the equipment you'll use to establish and continue operations. It also illustrates the amount of depreciation your company will incur based on all equipment elements purchased with a lifetime of more than one year.In order to generate the capital requirements table, you first have to establish the various elements within the business that will require capital investment. For service businesses, capital is usually tied to the various pieces of equipment used to service customers.Capital for manufacturing companies, on the other hand, is based on the equipment required in order to produce the product. Manufacturing equipment usually falls into three categories: testing equipment, assembly equipment and packaging equipment.With these capital elements in mind, you need to determine the number of units or customers, in terms of sales, that each equipment item can adequately handle. This is important because capital requirements are a product of income, which is produced through unit sales. In order to meet sales projections, a business usually has to invest money to increase production or supply better service. In the business plan, capital requirements are tied to projected sales as illustrated in the revenue model shown earlier in this chapter.For instance, if the capital equipment required is capable of handling the needs of 10,000 customers at an average sale of $10 each, that would be $100,000 in sales, at which point additional capital will be required in order to purchase more equipment should the company grow beyond this point. This leads us to another factor within the capital requirements equation, and that is equipment cost.If you multiply the cost of equipment by the number of customers it can support in terms of sales, it would result in the capital requirements for that particular equipment element. Therefore, you can use an equation in which capital requirements (CR) equals sales (S) divided by number of customers (NC) supported by each equipment element, multiplied by the average sale (AS), which is then multiplied by the capital cost (CC) of the equipment element. Given these parameters, your equation would look like the following: CR = [(S / NC) * AS] * CCThe capital requirements table is formed by adding all your equipment elements to generate the total new capital for that year. During the first year, total new capital is also the total capital required. For each successive year thereafter, total capital (TC) required is the sum of total new capital (NC) plus total capital (PC) from the previous year, less depreciation (D), once again, from the previous year. Therefore, your equation to arrive at total capital for each year portrayed in the capital requirements model would be: TC = NC + PC - DKeep in mind that depreciation is an expense that shows the decrease in value of the equipment throughout its effective lifetime. For many businesses, depreciation is based upon schedules that are tied to the lifetime of the equipment. Be careful when choosing the schedule that best fits your business. Depreciation is also the basis for a tax deduction as well as the flow of money for new capital. You may need to seek consultation from an expert in this area.Cash Flow Statement:The cash-flow statement is one of the most critical information tools for the proposed projecr, showing how much cash will be needed to meet obligations, when it is going to be required, and from where it will come. It shows a schedule of the money coming into the business and expenses that need to be paid. The result is the profit or loss at the end of the month or year. In a cash-flow statement, both profits and losses are carried over to the next column to show the cumulative amount. Keep in mind that if you run a loss on your cash-flow statement, it is a strong indicator that you will need additional cash in order to meet expenses.Like the income statement, the cash-flow statement takes advantage of previous financial tables developed during the course of the business plan. The cash-flow statement begins with cash on hand and the revenue sources. The next item it lists is expenses, including those accumulated during the manufacture of a product. The capital requirements are then logged as a negative after expenses. The cash-flow statement ends with the net cash flow.The cash-flow statement should be prepared on a monthly basis during the first year, on a quarterly basis during the second year, and on an annual basis thereafter. Items needed to be included in the cash-flow statement and the order in which they should appear are as follows:Cash sales. Income derived from sales paid for by cash.Receivables. Income derived from the collection of receivables.Other income. Income derived from investments, interest on loans that have been extended, and the liquidation of any assets.Total income. The sum of total cash, cash sales, receivables, and other income.Material/merchandise. The raw material used in the manufacture of a product (for manufacturing operations only), the cash outlay for merchandise inventory (for merchandisers such as wholesalers and retailers), or the supplies used in the performance of a service.Production labor. The labor required to manufacture a product (for manufacturing operations only) or to perform a service.Overhead. All fixed and variable expenses required for the production of the product and the operations of the business.Marketing/sales. All salaries, commissions, and other direct costs associated with the marketing and sales departments.R&D. All the labor expenses required to support the research and development operations of the business.G&A. All the labor expenses required to support the administrative functions of the business.Taxes. All taxes, except payroll, paid to the appropriate government institutions.Capital. The capital required to obtain any equipment elements that are needed for the generation of income.Loan payment. The total of all payments made to reduce any long-term debts.Total expenses. The sum of material, direct labor, overhead expenses, marketing, sales, G&A, taxes, capital and loan payments.Cash flow. The difference between total income and total expenses. This amount is carried over to the next period as beginning cash.Cumulative cash flow. The difference between current cash flow and cash flow from the previous period.As with the income statement, you will need to analyze the cash-flow statement in a short summary in the business plan. Once again, the analysis statement doesn't have to be long and should cover only key points derived from the cash-flow statement.The Balance Sheet:The last financial statement needed to be developed is the balance sheet. Like the income and cash-flow statements, the balance sheet uses information from all of the financial models developed in earlier sections of the business plan; however, unlike the previous statements, the balance sheet is generated solely on an annual basis for the business plan and is, more or less, a summary of all the preceding financial information broken down into three areas:1. Assets2. Liabilities3. EquityTo obtain financing for a new business, promoter may need to provide a projection of the balance sheet over the period of time the business plan covers. More importantly, promoter will need to include a personal financial statement or balance sheet instead of one that describes the business. A personal balance sheet is generated in the same manner as one for a business.In the business plan, the promoter will need to create an analysis statement for the balance sheet just as is needed to be done for the income and cash flow statements. The analysis of the balance sheet should be kept short and cover key points about the company.Now that we have explained why project needs a business plan, you should try and getting your Business Plan in place before pitching for funding / investment

Most, if not all, presidents have accomplished more than one goal. Presidents will come in with an agenda of several items they consider important.Here's a list of Obama accomplishments. It seems clear he already had some things in mind such as limiting undue outside influence on the legislative process. Some of these were not entirely through his own efforts.Within his first week, he signed an Executive Order ordering an audit of government contracts, and combating waste and abuse. Executive Order -- Economy in Government ContractingCreated the post of Chief Performance Officer, whose job it is to make operations more efficient to save the federal government money. Obama Names Chief Performance OfficerOn his first full day, he froze White House salaries for the duration of the Great Recession. MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.He appointed the first Federal Chief Information Officer to oversee federal IT spending and efficiency. CIO Council - Chief Information Officers CouncilHe committed to phasing out unnecessary and outdated weapons systems and signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act, in an attempt to limit waste, fraud and abuse in the defense procurement and contracting systems. http://bit.ly/hOw1t1http://bit.ly/fz8GAdHe created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. President orders debt panel, names chairmenSigned an Executive Order instructing federal agencies to review all federal regulations and remove any unnecessary and/or burdensome regulations from the books. Executive Order -- Identifying and Reducing Regulatory BurdensDismantled the Minerals Management Service, thereby cutting ties between energy companies and the government. Obama Officials Seek Better Policing of Oil IndustryBanned gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. Ban lobbyist gifts to executive employeesBanned anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years and placed strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. Obama Outlines Lobbying Restrictions Held the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. http://bit.ly/gVNSgXBecame the first president to stream every White House event, live. Live EventsEstablished a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities. United We ServeRestored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews, giving the public greater access to historic White House documents, and curtails the use of executive privilege to shield them. Executive Order 13489 -- Presidential RecordsImproved the Freedom of Information Act and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent when processing FOIA requests. Freedom of Information ActStreamline the Department of Education’s procurement policies and made them more transparent. http://bit.ly/1r9oQvhProvided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. http://1.usa.gov/hQ7Signed a law to completely reform NSA Data Collection program and keep phone records in the hands of the phone company. Obama signs overhauled NSA phone-records bill into lawPushed through and signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as “the stimulus package.” He also launched http://recovery.gov, a website that allows taxpayers to track spending from the Act. http://1.usa.gov/ibiFSshttp://1.usa.gov/e3BJMkBy the end of his first year, the economy created and sustained 2.1 million jobs and stimulated the economy by 3.5%. UPDATE 2-US stimulus added up to 2.1 mln jobs in Q4 2009-CBOHe created the massive TARP financial and banking rescue plan and forced banks and other entities to pay back virtually all of the bailout money. http://1.usa.gov/eA5jVShttp://bit.ly/eCNrD6He created the Making Home Affordable home refinancing plan. HomeIn 2010, more jobs were created than had been created during the previous eight years. It’s Official: More Private Sector Jobs Created In 2010 Than During Entire Bush YearsHe pushed through and implemented an auto industry rescue plan that saved as many as 1 million jobs and possibly the entire auto industry. Obama unveils plan to help U.S. auto industry_English_Xinhua The Bailout That WorkedThrough his investment in GM, returned to the company to its place as the premiere car company in the world. General Motors is world's sales leaderDoubled funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, to improve manufacturing efficiency. Double funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program that encourages manufacturing efficiencyIncreased infrastructure spending after years of neglect. http://bit.ly/f77aOwSigned the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which helped millions of Americans avoid preventable foreclosures and provided $2.2 billion to combat homelessness and stabilize the housing market. http://bit.ly/eEpLFnSigned an Executive Order creating jobs immediately by instructing them to reduce the time needed for review and permitting of infrastructure projects. Executive Order -- Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure ProjectsThrough the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, he and Congressional Democrats provided tax credits to first-time home buyers, which helped the U.S. housing market recovery. FEDERALHOUSINGTAXCREDIT.COM The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Program (Military Edition)Played a lead role in getting the G-20 Summit to commit to a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. G-20 Pact Has New Rules and $1.1 Trillion for Loans and TradeThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, saved at least 300,000 education jobs, such as teachers, principals, librarians, and counselors that would have otherwise been lost. http://1.usa.gov/ez30DWith Congressional Democrats, provided funding to states and the Department of Homeland Security to save thousands of police and firefighter jobs from being cut during the recession. Increase funding for local emergency planningChina’s largest manufacturer, Foxconn, is building a large plant in Pennsylvania Foxconn to build plant in PennsylvaniaWorked with Apple Computer to get them to build more product here, and thecompany is building two large plants to manufacture products here; one in Texas Apple's $100m made-in-the-USA Mac facility will be in Texas | ZDNet and one in Arizona Apple creates 2,000 jobs shifting production back to USCreated an institute to invest in more manufacturing jobs in the technology fields of the future. Obama Announces Institute to Create Manufacturing JobsOrdered all federal contractors to pay a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, leading the way to a national increase. Obama to raise minimum wage for government contract workersOrdered the completion of the International Trade Data System, a digital trade record book, by 2016. This move will streamline and simplify the process through which small- and medium-sized businesses set up the export of US goods. Obama Inks Executive Order to Streamline Import and Export Process for BusinessesSpecific Examples of Economic ImprovementAs of January 2016, a record 64 consecutive months of overall job growth. Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowAs of January 2016, Unemployment drops below 5% for the first time in eight years and without a significant bubble. 4.9% Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowAs of January 2016, there have been 71 consecutive months of private sector job growth. Unemployment rate drops below 5%, reaches 8-year lowSince February 2010, when job numbers hit their lowest point, 13.7 non-farm jobs have been created. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data (Republican budget cuts reduced public employment by about 700,000)Oversaw a reduction in the federal budget deficit by two-thirds since taking office. US Federal Deficit DefinitionReduced the federal budget deficit from 9.8% of GDP in Fiscal Year 2009 under Bush, to 2.9% of GDP in FY 2014. An Update to the Budget and Economic Outlook: 2014 to 2024Scolds Congress and gets passed a $305 billion highways bill, which will have the added benefit of created hundreds of thousands of new jobs and creating incentives for green cars. Obama signs $305B highway billSigned the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving the federal government more tools to investigate and prosecute fraud in every corner of the financial system, and create a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial fraud that led to the economic meltdown. Obama Signs Housing and Fraud Bill, Praises Congress for "Most Productive" Period Ordered 65 executives who took bailout money to cut their own pay until they paid back all bailout money. Pay Czar Cuts Salaries For 65 Bailout ExecutivesAlong with Congressional Democrats, pushed through and got passed Dodd-Frank, one of the largest and most comprehensive Wall Street reforms since the Great Depression. http://bit.ly/hWCPg0http://bit.ly/geHpcDCreated and implemented rules to reduce the influence of speculators in the oil market. http://bit.ly/MDnA1tCreated and implemented rules so banks can no longer use depositors’ money to invest in high-risk financial instruments that work against depositors’ interests. Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillSupported the concept of allowing stockholders to vote on executive compensation. Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillEndorsed and supported the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 that would close offshore tax avoidance loopholes. http://bit.ly/esOdfB http://bit.ly/eG4DPMNegotiated a deal with Swiss banks permitting the US government to gain access to bank records of criminals and tax evaders. Routine MaintenanceSigned the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, closing many of the loopholes that allowed companies to send jobs overseas, and avoid paying US taxes by moving money offshore. http://1.usa.gov/bd1RTqThanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, inflation in the healthcare sector dropped to its lowest point in 50 years. Medical-Price Inflation Is at Slowest Pace in 50 YearsSigned the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive credit card practices. Fact Sheet: Reforms to Protect American Credit Card HoldersGuided the housing market all the way back from total collapse, which led to a rally for housing starts. U.S. housing data signals economic strength; manufacturing weak U.S. housing data signals economic strength; manufacturing weakBrought airline industry back to their highest profitability since before the recession. Airlines report $9.3 billion net profits, highest since 2006Blocked a monopolistic merger of Staples and Office Depot, to preserve at least some competition. Staples Goes On the Attack in Attempt to Win Office DepotStock market has reached record highs, restoring most of the economic losses felt during the Recession. Dow Jones Industrial Average Last 10 Years | MacroTrendsCreated and Implemented the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau THOMAS (Library of Congress) Wall Street Reform: A Summary of What's In the BillConsumer confidence continues to inch up to its highest level more than a decade. United States Consumer Confidence Grows to 3-Month HighInitiated a $15 billion plan designed to encourage increased lending to small businesses. Remarks by the President to small business owners community lenders and members of CongressCreated BusinessUSA, to allow online collaboration between small businesses and experts re managing a business. (The program has since merged with U.S. Small Business Administration.) BusinessUSATook steps to improve minority access to capital. Increase minority access to capitalUsed recovered TARP money to fund programs at local housing finance agencies in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan. MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.Crafted and signed an executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. Executive Order 13530Oversaw the most sweeping food safety legislation since the Great Depression. http://thedc.com/gxkCtPThrough the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, extended the False Claims Act to combat fraud by companies and individuals using money from TARP and Stimulus programs. Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act Expands the False Claims ActSet up rules for banks in handling legal marijuana money. Legal Marijuana Businesses Should Have Access to Banks, Holder SaysAdded greater protections to consumer financial transactions to reduce identity theft. Executive Order --Improving the Security of Consumer Financial TransactionsTook steps to prevent pirate fishing and protect fish populations, and ordered stricter labeling requirements on labeling of seafood products in stores. New Recommendations to End Pirate Fishing and Seafood FraudSigned the RAISE Act, which should encourage more people to open small businesses and help improve the economy. Flash: Obama Signs New Small Business Initiatives Into LawSigned a bill that allows low-volume vehicle manufacturers that will increase entrepreneurship among small car manufacturers, who often build replicas of classics but who often build green vehicles. Flash: Obama Signs New Small Business Initiatives Into LawWorked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families. Provide affordable, high-quality child careThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, cut taxes for 95% of America’s working families. A credit for workers cuts taxes for middle classTax rates for average working families are the lowest since 1950. http://bit.ly/f74pD8Extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years. Alternative Minimum Tax Reform Now Part of the Senate StimulusExtended discounted health coverage under the COBRA health insurance law for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s also extended unemployment benefits more than a few times. http://aol.it/evtVxDhttp://nyti.ms/emrqKJ President extends unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks Obama compromises with GOP to extend tax cuts, unemployment benefitsProvided a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps). Food StampsSigned an Executive Order that established the White House Office of Urban Affairs. New White House Office to Redefine Urban PolicyIncluded the Buffet Rule in his 2014 budget proposal, in order to fulfill a campaign promise to make sure tax rates are fair between the rich and the middle class. http://1.usa.gov/19PkdQoUsed the fiscal cliff negotiations to extend for five additional years the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides tax credits to families for college-related expenses, thus saving those families up to $10,000. You Can Get $10,000 Per Child In College Tax Credits, Thanks To The Fiscal Cliff DealIncreased protections for the unemployed who are seeking a government job. Presidential Memorandum -- Enhancing Safeguards to Prevent the Undue Denial of Federal Employment Opportunities to the Unemployed and Those Facing Financial Difficulty Through no Fault of Their OwnUpdated and modernized overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Presidential Memorandum -- Updating and Modernizing Overtime RegulationsSigned and implemented the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, to improve nutrition in schools and make children healthier. Healthy Hunger-Free Kids ActTo make college more affordable and accountable, will begin rating colleges with regard to affordability and value. Obama proposes college-rating system in bid to increase affordabilityInitiated a reform of federal job training programs, to make them more relevant to the current economy and the job market. Presidential Memorandum -- Job-Driven Training for WorkersUnder Obama, the bottom 95% of taxpayers pay lower federal income taxes than at any time in the last 50 years, including under Reagan, or either Bush. Federal Income Taxes on Middle-Income Families Remain Near Historic LowsSigned a presidential memorandum authorizing six weeks paid leave for all federal employees with a new baby and encouraged Congress to do the same for all workers. WHfamilyleavefacts2014 marked the first time since 1984 that unemployment dropped in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Regional and State Unemployment, 2014 Annual Average SummaryTook steps to improve workplace safety by creating an Advisory Board to study workers’ exposure to toxic substances. Executive Order -- Establishing the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker HealthChanged overtime rules to make it far more difficult for employers to avoid paying overtime to workers. Obama overtime rule could raise wages for 5 millionChanged rules for federal contractors, guaranteeing that all workers earn paid leave; this should affect about 300,000 workers. Executive Order -- Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal ContractorsNegotiated a law to finally replace “No Child Left Behind” and remove much of the onerous government “oversight” that caused children to stagnate, not improve, academically. Obama signs new education act into law, replaces No Child Left Behind Formed a commission to examine and make recommendations for fixing the broken voting system. The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and HeadlinesAt a press conference August 9, 2013, gave up a small measure of executive power, promising to create adversarial process in FISA regarding NSA surveillance. President Obama Holds a Press ConferenceProposed rules to enhance Fair Housing Laws, to give HUD and other enforcement agencies more enforcement power. http://bit.ly/1qkz4uQOrdered a review of capital punishment policies after several botched executions. Obama Orders Policy Review on ExecutionsAppointed Kareem Dale as the first ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability PolicyConcentrated immigration enforcement on those who commit crimes, and vowed to stop breaking up families. Presidential Memorandum -- Creating Welcoming Communities and Fully Integrating Immigrants and RefugeesStreamlined the visa process, to make it more responsive and humane for those who want to be here legally. Presidential Memorandum -- Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st CenturyTook steps to tighten the reins when it comes to providing local law enforcement agencies with military-style equipment and exercising more control over the equipment they receive. Executive Order -- Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment AcquisitionChanged fair housing rules to make more affordable housing available to more people. Obama administration announces new fair housing rulesHelped Democrats in Congress pass and signed the Civil Rights History Act. H.R.586 - Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009, a bill on OpenCongressEstablished the White House Council of Native American Affairs, to improve government-to-government relations with Native American nations. Executive Order -- Establishing the White House Council on Native American AffairsLimited local police acquisitions of military-style equipment, to reduce the likelihood of overkill. Obama To Limit Police Acquisition Of Some Military-Style Equipment Signed Blue Alert Law, which provides police officers with more information when they are threatened. President Obama Signs Pascrell Blue Alert Bill Into LawHe issued final rules that require all employers to prominently post employees’ rights where all employees or prospective employees can see it, including all websites and intranets. Board issues Final Rule to require posting of NLRA rightsObama’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission clarified and strengthened rules prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers. http://alj.am/1mo0kjVRequired companies who bid on federal contracts larger than $500,000 to publicly disclose all previous violations of labor law, including unpaid claims for back wages. Executive Order --Fair Pay and Safe WorkplacesMade it illegal for federal contractors with more than $1 million in contracts to force employees into arbitration in workplace discrimination accusations. Executive Order --Fair Pay and Safe WorkplacesVetoed Republican bill that would have blocked new NLRB rules that were designed to speed up the time it takes workers to unionize. Obama vetoes Republican bid to block union election rules He also added a Memorandum of Disagreement to make his reasons for the veto clear and made a major statement in support of unions. Memorandum of Disapproval Regarding S.J. Res. 8Cracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. U.S. Cracks Down on ‘Contractors’ as a Tax DodgeSigned and implemented the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which made it a federal crime to assault anyone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama signs hate crimes bill into lawOversaw and implemented the repeal of the reprehensible “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. http://bit.ly/fdahuHhttp://bit.ly/mZV4PzExtended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Presidential Memorandum-Extension of Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic Partners of Federal EmployeesAppointed more openly gay officials than anyone in history. Obama has appointed most U.S. gay officialsAppointed first openly transgender Cabinet Official in History. Transgender woman appointed to Commerce DepartmentAdvocated that United Nations adopt a policy supporting gay rights worldwide. Obama and gay rights: U.S. urges United Nations Human Rights Council to support gay rightsAs soon as the Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, he moved to extend federal benefits to same-sex couples. Obama administration extends federal-employee benefits to same-sex couplesIssued an order requiring hospitals to allow visitation by same-sex couples. Obama makes hospitals allow gay visitation rightsChanged HUD rules to prohibit gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination in housing HUD clarifies LGBT housing discrimination protectionsChanged his mind and publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/JsiFKpIssued a Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the rights of gay couples to make medical decisions for each other. Presidential Memorandum - Hospital VisitationAppointed several prominent gay athletes and others, and plans to show US government’s commitment to gay rights to anti-gay Russia. http://on.cpsj.com/1fckN9hDepartment of Agriculture propagated new rules to better enforce non-discrimination when it comes to USDA investigations and to extend non-discrimination to gender identity. http://bit.ly/1yChJhiBanned all federal contractors from discriminating against gay workers. Executive Order -- Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment OpportunityPersevered with his campaign to turn “gay marriage” into “marriage” and won in the Supreme Court. Crowds Celebrate Same-Sex Marriage Ruling At Historic Stonewall InnEstablishing the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider the effect of their policies and programs on women and families. Obama's Council on Women and Girls http://1.usa.gov/rFfqMMImplemented the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers. President Obama Signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay ActEliminated federal funding for abstinence-only education, and rescinded the global gag rule. US teen pregnancy and syphilis rates rose sharply during George Bush's presidency, Centres for Disease Control finds Obama Rescinds “Global Gag Rule,” Commits to Funding UNFPAImproved the Paycheck Fairness Act, making it possible for employees to talk about their salaries without retaliation, and ordering salary data collection, so as to make it harder for employers to pay women less. Obama To Sign Executive Orders On Equal PaySigned an Executive Order pledging support for efforts to end the global problem of violence against women and girls. Executive Order -- Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls GloballyShattered another glass ceiling by naming Janet Yellen chair of the Federal Reserve beginning Feb. 1, 2014. David Marsh: Tests looming for Janet YellenExpanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act. 2010 Budget and Performance SummaryOrdered companies with 100 employees or more to disclose pay data based on race and gender, to address the pay gap. Obama's New Equal-Pay RulesAddressed Criminal Justice Failings and the Gun CultureMade significant reductions in drug sentencing guidelines for current prisoners. Drug Sentencing Guidelines Reduced For Current PrisonersOversaw the first drop in the federal prison population in 32 years. Federal prison population drops for first time in 3 decades, Eric Holder saysIncreased his use of clemency to release thousands of non-violent drug offenders from prison. Obama Plans Broader Use of Clemency to Free Nonviolent Drug OffendersOrdered a ban on solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in federal prisons. http://bit.ly/20ObRzATook executive action to promote smart gun technology, to make them safer. Memorandum -- Promoting Smart Gun TechnologyAfter a failure by Congress to act, proposed executive orders to create more background checks and to fully staff the background check system. Obama executive action: New gun control ordersRelaxed HIPAA rules enough to allow for more information to be available to the background check system. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceOrdered the tracing of guns as part of criminal investigations to provide data to researchers. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceOrder the Justice Department to look at the categories of mental health problems prohibited from owning guns to make sure people aren’t falling through the cracks, getting guns. Here Are The 23 Executive Orders On Gun Safety Signed Today By The PresidentExpanded the definitions of gun dealers and expanded the information available and required in background checks for firearm purchases. President Obama’s 2015 Executive Actions on Gun ControlSet up a task force to figure out what other measures can be taken to limit gun violence in the wake of Congressional inaction. President Obama Announces New Measures to Prevent Gun ViolenceImproved Treatment of Soldiers and VeteransProvided active combat troops with better body armor. http://bit.ly/hzSv2hCreated a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order http://abcn.ws/1ghLrEshttp://abcn.ws/1ghLrEs to improve the quality of their medical care. "The Care They Were Promised and the Benefits That They Have Earned"Put an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. ‘Stop-Loss’ Will All but End by 2011, Gates SaysSigned and implemented Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, making more money available to enable better medical care for veterans. Remarks by the President at signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency ActWith Congressional Democrats, oversaw largest spending increase in 30 years for Department of Veterans Affairs, for improved medical and extended care facilities for veterans. Office of Public and Intergovernmental AffairsImplemented the Green Vet Initiative, which provides special funding to provide veterans with training in green jobs. Create a 'Green Vet Initiative' to promote environmental jobs for veteransInitiated and signed a recruitment and employment plan to get more veterans into government jobs. http://bit.ly/b48coiOversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. Annual Budget SubmissionSigned the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, which ensures that spouses of military personnel who are forced to move because their spouse is posted for military duty can avoid state taxes in their temporary residence. President Signs Military Spouses Residency Relief ActOrdered improvements to access to mental health care for veterans, military personnel and their families. Executive Order -- Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military FamiliesGot Syria to dismantle its chemical weapons without military firing a single shot or dropping a single bomb. U.S. and Russia Reach Deal to Destroy Syria’s Chemical ArmsAlong with Congressional Democrats, not only reauthorized families of fallen soldiers to be able to visit when the body arrives at Dover AFB, but also provided funding for it. Ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers. Pentagon Will Help Families Travel to Dover US war dead media blackout liftedFunded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. Veterans & Military FamiliesSigned into law a bill that provides support, counseling, and breastfeeding supplies to military moms who are covered under TRICARE, the health insurance provided to veterans. Obama Signs Capps's Military Mom Health-Care Bill Signed into law a bill that makes it easier for military dogs to retire at home with their handlers. Military Overseas Dogs Are Now Guaranteed Retirement in the United States—With Their Former HandlersVisited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. Chain e-mail claims Obama has visited more countries in first six months of presidency than predecessorsAs he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. Text: Obama’s Speech in CairoMade a speech at a US mosque to demonstrate his commitment to religious rights and send a message to Muslims around the world. Obama rebuts GOP Muslim rhetoric in first U.S. mosque visitRestored America’s reputation around the world as a global leader. http://bit.ly/h743y7http://bit.ly/ho4TCrRe-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. Afghanistan and NATOClosed a number of secret detention facilities. Obama Orders Secret Prisons and Detention Camps ClosedImproved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys. http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGePushed forward the first realistic Middle East peace strategy in more than a decade, without abandoning the two-state solution. With marathon talks, Kerry shows zeal on Middle East peacePushed for military to emphasize greater development of foreign language skills. Bolster the military's ability to speak different languagesOffered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, while calling on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. Obama offers Abbas $400m in extra aid for Gaza in flotilla aftermathRefused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program. http://bit.ly/xVmSZKOrdered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay, although blocked by Congress. Barack Obama abandons Guantánamo closure plan after Congress vetoOrdered a review of our detention and interrogation policy and prohibited the use of “enhanced interrogation.” Obama signs order to close Guantanamo Bay facilityOrdered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed. CIA shuts down its secret prisonsReleased the Bush torture memos. Barack Obama releases Bush administration torture memosOn his second day in office, banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies and put the US in full compliance with the Geneva Convention. http://1.usa.gov/dL6Zvehttp://nyti.ms/hzWWysIn response to the emerging “Arab Spring,” he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. Create a rapid response fund for emerging democraciesEnded the F-22 program, saving $4 billion. Though the 187 aircraft cost $358 million each to build, it had never flown a combat mission. The remarkable vote to kill the F-22 and what it means for America's military future.Passed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war and encourage the Iranian government to give up their nuclear program. http://1.usa.gov/wLtNjbEnded the Iraq War. Po.stWorked to keep our withdrawal from Afghanistan on track, despite GOP opposition. Obama says managing Afghanistan exit is a priority Reiterated that commitment in 2014. What the State of the Union Address Means for 2014Conducted a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. SEAL Team 6 Rescues Hostages in Secret MissionThrough United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, helped negotiate a peaceful split of Sudan into two countries, creating an independent South Sudan. Obama grants U.S. recognition of South SudanHelped make donations to Haiti tax deductible in 2009. Donations To Haiti Are Tax Deductible: Obama Signs Bill For Haiti Earthquake ContributionsEstablished a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Statement On Bilateral Meeting With President Hu Of ChinaIssued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia. http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8UEstablished new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them. Obama Eases Limits On Cuba Travel, Remittances Obama to Loosen Restrictions on Policy With CubaThe new policies in Cuba led to thawed relations and the first US Embassy in Cuba in more than 55 years. Obama: US, Cuban Embassies Start ‘New Chapter’Negotiated a deal with Iran that will prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon anytime soon, without firing a shot or invading the country. Landmark deal reached on Iran nuclear programAs a result of the Iran agreement, Iran shipped pretty much all of it nuclear material to Russia. Iran Hands Over Stockpile of Enriched Uranium to RussiaBecame the first US President to visit Jamaica in more than 30 years, worked to restore relations with the country and signed a natural gas distribution agreement with the country. Jamaica signs energy agreement with USChanged US Approach to “Defense” and National SecurityCreated a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat. Remarks By President Barack Obama In Prague As DeliveredAuthorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010. Pentagon unveils $533.7 billion budgetRestarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. Obama wins passage of nuclear nonproliferation resolution at U.N.Signed and got ratification of a new SALT Treaty. New SALT Treaty Ratified, 71-26Negotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will stay in force until at least 2021. President Obama Announces the New START TreatyCommitted the US to no permanent military bases in Iraq. No permanent bases in IraqDeveloped a comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda, the withdrawal of most troops and the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Obama Announces Strategy for Afghanistan, PakistanRe-focused on Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing troops from the country. Obama to withdraw troops from AfghanistanNegotiated a deal with Afghan government, to withdraw troops and military support, while assisting in rebuilding and modernizing of the country. Obama’s Plan to Announce Afghanistan Withdrawal at NATO Summit Is Shrewd PoliticsTook steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world. US general: al-Qaida in Iraq severely weakenedNegotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India. Presidential Memorandum - United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement ActWorked with NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that Libyans could topple the despotic Khadaffy government and determine their own fate. Obama leads rousing UN welcome for Libyan NTCGot Egyptian President/dictator Mubarak to leave the Egyptian government to the people, to determine their own fate. Americas - Obama presses Hosni Mubarak to make 'right decision' and step downIn 2011, reoriented American focus from the Middle East to the Asian-Pacific region by simultaneously engaging China and crafting new alliances with Asian countries uncomfortable with Chinese behavior. The Obama Administration's Pivot to AsiaRestored federal agencies such as FEMA to the point that they have been able to manage a huge number of natural disasters successfully. http://bit.ly/h8Xj7zIncreased border security More border security and patrols under Obama than previous presidents, says Debbie Wasserman SchultzOrdered and oversaw the Navy SEALS operation that killed Osama bin Laden. We will kill bin LadenEstablished the Homeland Security Partnership Council, to enhance the nation’s ability to “address homeland security priorities, from responding to natural disasters to preventing terrorism, by utilizing diverse perspectives, skills, tools, and resources.” Executive Order -- Establishing the White House Homeland Security Partnership CouncilSigned agreement with Afghanistan to end war, turn security over to Afghans. Mending Alliance, U.S. and Afghanistan Sign Long-Term Security AgreementBreaking with recent presidential tradition, instead of just attacking Syria in the wake of chemical weapons attacks on Syrians, Obama ordered a full report on the decision-making process. Obama orders release of report justifying Syria strikeInstead of holding hearings and creating a political football, he quietly captured a suspect who actually committed the Benghazi terrorist attack. U.S. captured Benghazi suspect in secret raid He is also getting a lot of useful information from the suspect. Benghazi Suspect Said to Corroborate Important Details of AttacksInstituted rules to order sanctions against individuals and groups that threaten national cybersecurity. Executive Order -- "Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities"Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, invested heavily in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. EducationCreated the Race to the Top program, which encouraged states to come up with effective school reforms and rewards the best of them. http://bit.ly/NHtZ7LOversaw major expansion of broadband availability in K-12 schools nationwide. http://bit.ly/fNDcj3Oversaw major expansion in school construction. Obama: Education Money Must Come With ReformThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, put $5 billion into early education, including Head Start. Education Jobs and ReformSigned the Democratic-sponsored Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0, to improve veterans’ access to education. EducationOversaw expansion of the Pell Grants program, to expand opportunity for low and middle income students to go to college. Expand Pell grants for low-income studentsSigned and implemented the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provided an extra $12.2 billion in funds. IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths with DisabilitiesTook major new steps to protect students from ineffective for-profit colleges through “gainful employment” measures, whereby schools have to demonstrate that its students actually find work to get federal aid. Obama Administration Announces New Steps to Protect Students from Ineffective Career College ProgramsRepeatedly increased funding for student financial aid, and at the same time cut the banks completely out of the process, thus us creating greater accountability. Expand Pell grants for low-income students Obama’s Budget: Supporting Students, Not Banks Proposed Federal Budget Will Increase Financial Aid Funding by $300 Million for 2011Reformed student loan program, to make it possible for students to refinance at a lower rate. Obama Signs Overhaul of Student Loan ProgramCreated a rating system for colleges, so that those applying for student financial aid know better what they’re paying for. Obama proposes college-rating system in bid to increase affordabilityRestored the Adult View on Science and TechnologyCreated a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making. Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies 3-9-09Opened up the process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects. Green Innovation Getting More Support from Fast Patent Approval ProcessThrough the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. The Science of Spending Stimulus Money WiselyObama EPA reversed research ethics standards which allowed humans to be used as “guinea pigs” in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. EPA Reverses Controversial ‘Human Guinea Pig’ RuleConducted a cyberspace policy review. Statement by the Press Secretary on Conclusion of the Cyberspace ReviewProvided financial support for private sector space programs. NASA Announces Plan to Invest in Commercial Crew ConceptsOversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. Enhance earth mappingThrough American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. Expand funding to train primary care providers and public health practitionersIncreased funding for community-based prevention programs. Increase funding to expand community based prevention programsExpanded space exploration and discovery options to include more players. http://1.usa.gov/13qmZpmThrough the Connect America Fund, pushed through and received FCC approval for a move of $8 billion in subsidies away from telephone landlines to assist lower-income rural families in accessing broadband. http://lat.ms/vhRUEs FCC Finalizes Effort to Make Available $485M For Rural Broadband in USF Reform EffortIn the wake of the West Fertilizer tragedy, formed the Chemical Safety and Security Working Group, to work on measures to prevent another such events. Executive Order -- Improving Chemical Facility Safety and SecurityEstablished a Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission, to coordinate efforts to fight cyber-crime and terrorism. New Threat Center to Integrate Cyber IntelligenceThe Obama FCC, with his leadership, adopted strong net neutrality rules, to keep the Internet open and equal for everyone. FCC Adopts Strong, Sustainable Rules to Protect the Open InternetOrdered rules to speed up deployment of a more comprehensive broadband infrastructure. Executive Order -- Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure DeploymentSet up a National Strategic Computing Initiative, to “maximize benefits of high-performance computing (HPC) research, development, and deployment.” Executive Order -- Creating a National Strategic Computing InitiativeOrdered a federal level change in national earthquake standards. Executive Order: Establishing a Federal Earthquake Risk Management StandardEliminated Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, and provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. http://bit.ly/h36SSOhttp://ti.me/edezgeSigned Democratic-sponsored Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis. 404 ErrorExpanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. Expand the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothersAlong with Democrats in Congress, ushered through and signed a bill authorizing FDA to regulate tobacco and order tobacco companies to disclose their ingredients and to ban cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.” MSNBC: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.Has overseen a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors. Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (2010 - H.R. 4872) Seniors Already Seeing Lower Prescription Drug CostsEliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. US govt will negotiate Medicare drug prices, says ObamaTwo weeks after taking office, signed Democratic-sponsored Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGvUrged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. http://yhoo.it/e8Tj9CPushed through and signed Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage greatly and ended many detrimental insurance company practices. He also established Get 2016 health coverage. Health Insurance Marketplace . Get 2016 health coverage. Health Insurance Marketplace Through ACA, allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small businesses to provide health insurance to their employees. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, millions of people receive help in paying their health insurance company premiums. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareThrough the ACA, expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. For Consumers, Some Clarity on Health Care Changes (Note: except for those states whose Republicans refused to take the extra money.)By 2014, the Affordable Care Act dropped the number of uninsured Americans by 22.3%, which amounts to more than 10.3 million people with insurance who didn’t have it before. Only 13.9% of Americans are uninsured, a drop from 18.9% in 2013. Number of uninsured Americans drops againThe Affordable Care Act has increased the life expectancy of Medicare greatly. Medicare, Social Security Disability Fund Headed in Different DirectionsThrough the ACA, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. Obama Signs Bill on Student Loans and Health CareMedicare costs actually declined slightly, for the first time in decades in 2011, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Monthly Budget ReviewSince passage of the ACA, health care inflation is at its lowest level since 1960. http://1.usa.gov/1vXR0LdCreated the HIV Care Continuum Initiative, to strengthen the government’s ability to respond to the continuing domestic HIV epidemic, after years of Republicans weakening the government’s ability to deal with the crisis. Executive Order -- HIV Care Continuum InitiativeSigned bill that will provide health insurance premium support to workers who lose their health insurance due to foreign competition. http://bit.ly/1evvVDFIn response to the confusion triggered by the asinine Hobby Lobby decision, which essentially declared that corporations could have “religious rights” and lord them over employees, created new rules to give all women with insurance the right to free birth control. Birth Control Coverage Rules Announced by Obama AdministrationImplemented the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for 2015-2020, which is a follow-up to the first such strategy in US history, which he implemented in 2010. Executive Order -- Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States for 2015-2020Signed and will implement new child safety standards for e-cigarettes. Obama signs child-proof packaging standards for e-cigsSet up a White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, in order to implement ways to develop a cure for cancer. Memorandum -- White House Cancer Moonshot Task ForceDoubled federal spending on clean energy research. Double federal spending for research on clean fuelsPushed through a tax credit to help people buy plug-in hybrid cars. Enact tax credit for consumers for plug-in hybrid carsCreated a program to develop renewable energy projects on the waters of our Outer Continental Shelf that will produce electricity from wind, wave, and ocean currents. http://1.usa.gov/fgfRWqReengaged in the climate change and greenhouse gas emissions agreements talks, and proposed one himself. He also addressed the U.N. Climate Change Conference, officially reversing the Bush era stance that climate change was a “hoax.” http://bit.ly/dX6Vj3 YouTube Obama Says He’ll Push for Clean Energy BillFully supported the initial phase of the creation of a legally-binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide. Obama Shifts U.S. Policy to Back Global Mercury Control TreatyRequired states to provide incentives to utilities to reduce their energy consumption. Require states to provide incentives for utilities to reduce energy consumptionUnder Obama, our dependence on foreign oil has dropped to its lowest rate since 1985, and continues to drop. How much oil consumed by the United States comes from foreign sources?Meanwhile, oil consumption is way down because of reduced driving and higher mileage standards. Why Are U.S. Oil Imports Falling? Improved siting, review and permitting stations for power plants, in an attempt to seriously improve the nation’s electric grid. Presidential Memorandum -- Transforming our Nation's Electric Grid Through Improved Siting, Permitting, and ReviewReengaged in a number of treaties and agreements designed to protect the Antarctic. http://bit.ly/fzQUFOCreated tax write-offs for purchases of hybrid and electric vehicles. Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory - HybridCars.comEstablished a quadrennial review of our energy infrastructure, to encourage a modernization of the grid, and to encourage the transition away from fossil fuel use. Presidential Memorandum -- Establishing a Quadrennial Energy ReviewMandated that federal government fleet purchases be for fuel-efficient American vehicles, and encouraged that federal agencies support experimental, fuel-efficient vehicles. http://1.usa.gov/hmUSbk GSA Drives Innovative, Job-Creating Sustainable Industries http://bit.ly/h5KZqyEncouraged BP to pay $20 billion to establish Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, to reduce the need for taxpayer funds to be used for compensation and clean up. BP agrees to $20 billion fund for gulf oil spill claims (Note: it took 20 years to get $1.3 billion for the Exxon Valdez spill. )Oversaw and pushed through an amendment to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bill Summary & StatusActively tried to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the liability limits for those companies responsible for large oil spills. White House Proposes Bill to Lift Caps on Offshore Oil Spill LiabilityBecame the first President to simply say “Climate Change is a fact,” and set up the first federal government protocols for dealing with the impacts of climate change. Executive Order -- Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate ChangeInitiated Criminal and Civil inquiries into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. U.S. Opens Criminal Inquiry Into Oil SpillAsserted federal legal supremacy to bar Texas from authorizing new refinery permits on its http://own.http://bit.ly/ww8eMdSet up new, stricter standards limiting power plant emissions. Presidential Memorandum -- Power Sector Carbon Pollution StandardsStrengthened the Endangered Species Act. http://bit.ly/hscjsHStrengthened protection for wildlife, and expanded enforcement of laws against wildlife trafficking. Executive Order -- Combating Wildlife TraffickingObama EPA improved boiler safety standards to improve air quality, and save 6500 lives per year. New EPA Boiler Standards Will Save 6,500 Lives Per YearThrough the EPA, attemped to take steps to severely limit the use of antibiotics in livestock feed, to increase their efficacy in humans. FDA takes steps to limit use of antibiotics in livestockThrough new EPA regulations, he created a pretext for closing the dirtiest power plants in the country, by limiting emissions of mercury and other toxic gasses. Obama praises EPA mercury rule, calls for steps to ensure grid reliabilityIncreased funding for National Parks and Forests by 10% http://bit.ly/fbJPjYAnnounced greatly improved commercial fuel efficiency standards. President Obama Announces First Ever Fuel Economy Standards for Commercial VehiclesAnnounced a huge increase in average fuel economy standards from 27.5mpg in 2010 to 35.5mpg starting in 2016 and 54.5 starting in 2025 President Obama Announces New Fuel Economy StandardsFacilitated investment in industrial energy efficiency to create jobs and strengthen US manufacturing while saving businesses $100 billion over a decade. Executive Order -- Accelerating Investment in Industrial Energy EfficiencySet up the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to oversee Gulf Coast restoration efforts after the 2010 BP oil spill. The money to fund the restoration efforts comes from fines against BP. Executive Order -- Gulf Coast Ecosystem RestorationEngaged in the most comprehensive plan to combat climate change in a generation. http://bit.ly/13lXhETOrdered energy plants to prepare to produce at least 15% of all energy through renewable resources like wind and solar, by 2021. Lawmakers turn to public on Obama clean energy planOversaw the creation of an initiative that converts old factories and manufacturing centers into new clean technology centers. Establish program to convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leadersGuided a 418% increase in solar power capacity between 2010 and 2014. US Solar Energy Capacity Grew An Astounding 418% From 2010-2014As of May 2015, 74% of new electrical capacity was provided by solar and wind power. Solar + Wind = 74% of New US Electricity Capacity January–May 2015 (Exclusive)Bypassed Congress and ordered EPA to begin regulating and measuring carbon emissions. http://bit.ly/froaP5Oversaw a tripling in the use of wind power to generate electricity. The US now leads the world in increased wind power capacity. Wind Power Continues Rapid RiseOrdered the federal government to incorporate climate resilience and climate science into all international development in which the United States engages. Executive Order -- Climate-Resilient International DevelopmentFast-tracked regulations to allow states to enact fuel efficiency standards that exceeded federal standards. Obama’s Order Is Likely to Tighten Auto StandardsFast-tracked increased fuel economy standards for vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. It was the first time such standards had been increased in more than a decade. Obama announces new fuel standardsOversaw establishment of an Energy Partnership for the Americas, to create more markets for American-made biofuels and green energy technologies. Establish an Energy Partnership for the AmericasObama EPA reversed a Bush-era decision to allow the largest mountaintop removal project in US history. Obama Administration Reverses Largest Appalachian Mountaintop Removal Permit in US HistoryOrdered the Department of Energy to implement more aggressive efficiency standards for common household appliances. Appliance Efficiency StandardsObama EPA ruled that excess CO2 is a pollutant. EPA Wields Timely Stick: Ruling CO2 a Public Danger Before Copenhagen Climate DecisionClosed a deal with China to limit carbon emissions to slow down climate change. U.S. and China Reach Climate Accord After Months of TalksBlocked all oil and gas drilling in Bristol Bay, Alaska, one of the most pristine environments in North America Obama protects Alaska's Bristol Bay from oil and gas drillingSigned an Executive Order to improve environmental efforts in the Arctic region and to combat climate change by better coordinating the efforts of the 23 federal agencies operating in the area. George W. Bush says library 'a place to lay out facts'Vetoed a bill to fast track construction of the parallel Keystone XL pipeline. Senate Fails to Override Obama's Keystone XL VetoExpanded clean water regulations to more stringently protect all of the nation’s waterways, even when states fail in their duty. Obama announces new rule limiting water pollution - The Boston GlobeSigned an Executive Order committing the federal government to lead the way in building a sustainable economy. It’s his fifth doing just that. Executive Order -- Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next DecadeBanned the use of antibiotics in food served in US Government-run cafeterias and ordered agencies to only use antibiotic-free meat. It’s about time: President Obama Bans Antibiotics in Government Run Cafeterias Obama directs agencies to serve antibiotic-free meat and poultryDeveloped new rules to address climate change and to create a significant boost to clean energy. Obama toughens climate change planNegotiated and signed a virtually Republican-Proof global agreement on climate change, with 190 countries signing on. How US negotiators ensured landmark Paris climate deal was Republican-proofBecame one of 196 countries that signed onto a UN Framework on Climate Change. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeOrdered a moratorium on new coal leasing on federal land, and they will examine the whole leasing process. Obama halts new coal leasing on federal land, orders sweeping reviewNominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history, and the women represent only the third and fourth women to serve on the court, out of a total of 112 justices. http://huff.to/eOChg6http://bit.ly/i02wgPAppointed the most diverse Cabinet in history, including more women than any other incoming president. http://bit.ly/dX6vNBLoosened the rules and allowed the 14 states that legalized medical marijuana to regulate themselves without federal interference. New Medical Marijuana Policy: Obama Administration Will Not Seek Arrests For People Following State LawsSigned national service legislation, increasing funding for national service groups, including triple the size of the Americorps program. http://bit.ly/idgQH5Signed a bill that provided $4.3 billion in additional assistance to 9/11 first responders. http://bit.ly/o7cWYSSigned the Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with black and Native American farmers who had been cheated out of government loans and natural resource royalties in the past. President Obama Signs the Claims Resolution Act of 2010To help those communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy, issued an executive order setting up the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, and asked Congress to approve $60 billion in supplemental assistance to aid in storm recovery. Executive Order -- Establishing the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task ForceProduced 23 Executive actions designed to make it easier for law enforcement to identify those who shouldn’t have guns, thus helping them enforce the law. List: Obama’s 23 Executive Actions on Gun ViolenceExpanded trade agreements to include stricter labor and environmental agreements in trade pacts like NAFTA. Include environmental and labor standards in trade agreementsOversaw funding of the design of a new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. He protected the funding during budget negotiations. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Most Smithsonian funding intact under budget dealOversaw and passed increased funding for the National Endowment for the http://Arts.http://bit.ly/dFb8qFDespite the characterizations of some, Obama’s success rate in winning congressional votes on issues was an unprecedented 96.7% for his first year in office. Though he is often cited as superior to Obama, President Lyndon Johnson’s success rate in 1965 was only 93%. CQ: Obama's Winning Streak On Hill UnprecedentedDespite the odds, became the first black president and then, was reelected by a wide margin.

Digital Documents Now Valid. Here's All You Need To Know About DigiLockerDigiLocker is a platform for issuance and verification of documents and certificates in a digital format, thereby eliminating the use of physical documents. Indian citizens who sign up for a DigiLocker account get a dedicated cloud storage space that is linked to their Aadhaar or UIDAI number.DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker to save documents online. They are now be officially acceptedNew Delhi:The government, on Thursday, issued an advisory to all states to accept documents in electronic form. With the idea of paperless governance, and an aim to make life simpler for citizens, the government announced that documents such as driving license, car registration, voter ID, PAN card, school and college certificates, and many other documents issued by the government will now be accepted, when presented in digital form. These documents can even be used for photo ID purposes at airports and railway stations.DigiLocker, as the name suggests, is a 'digital locker' for citizens to securely save copies of all their documents.DigiLocker is a platform for issuance and verification of documents and certificates in a digital format, thereby eliminating the use of physical documents. Indian citizens who sign up for a DigiLocker account get a dedicated cloud storage space that is linked to their Aadhaar or UIDAI number.Government departments and organisations which are registered with DigiLocker can push electronic copies of documents and certificates issued by them, directly into the citizens lockers. Citizens can also upload scanned copies of their documents in their accounts. These documents can be electronically signed as well, using the eSign facility.Here is all you need to know about DigiLocker, and how to use it:Q) What is DigiLocker, and how does it work?A) DigiLocker is a digital locker facility provided by the government. It allows all Indian citizens to store scanned or digital formats of their documents. The technology used by DigiLocker is Cloud computing, where all citizens are given 1 GB (gigabyte) of storage space on a secure and private cloud account. DigiLocker is part of the government's Digital India initiative.The project was launched by PM Modi in 2015, when it had a beta version. It is now completely ready, with the government telling all states to start officially recognising it. It is aimed at reducing the need to carry physical documents, while also aiding in paperless governance.How the DigiLocker system worksQ) What are the benefits of DigiLocker?A) Some of the benefits offered by DigiLocker include:Citizens can access their digital documents anytime, anywhere and share it online for their ease and convenience. This helps in saving time, paperwork, and helps people get their work done on the move.It reduces the administrative overhead of government departments by minimising the use of paper, thereby making it a hassle-free and more environment-friendly way of getting things done.DigiLocker makes it easier to validate the authenticity of documents as they are issued directly by the registered issuers. Since documents are verified by the concerned departments, it helps a user get many other tasks done, for eg: documents required for various banking purposes, or at airports and railway stations, where IDs are needed.Self-uploaded documents can be digitally signed using the eSign facility (which is similar to the process of self-attestation of documents). Documents can thereby be shared as and when required, without it having to be manually delivered or collected.All physical documents can then be kept in the safety of ones home, minimising the chance of ever losing them, or damaging them.Here is a video showing how DigiLocker helps in our daily lives:Q) How can I open a DigiLocker account? What do I need?A) The DigiLocker facility is available only for Indian citizens. To open a DigiLocker account, you must have an Aadhaar card (Aadhaar number). To activate the account, it is mandatory to link your DigiLocker account to your Aadhaar (UIDAI) number.Q) Is my data (certificates and documents) safe in DigiLocker?A) The government assures that DigiLocker is completely safe, with some of the best security features available on date. DigiLocker allows only the user to access their data and documents. The user gets a secure and private cloud account, which is password-protected. Security measures also include a 256 Bit SSL encryption and mobile authentication based sign up process (with OTP facility). DigiLocker also comes with a 'timed logout', which means it logs the user out if the individual leaves it open and idle.DigiLocker follows the best industry practices, and keeps data 100 per cent private, allowing only the user to share details and documents with others. DigiLocker is ISO certified, and has an ISO-27001 certified data centre.Some of the main security features include:Standard Practices: DigiLocker follows standard software development practices of uniform coding standards, guidelines and reviews. Every release is reviewed and tested internally for security and penetration vulnerabilities before getting deployed on our servers.256 Bit SSL Encryption: DigiLocker uses 256 bit secure socket layer (SSL) Encryption for information transmitted during any activity.Mobile Authentication based Sign Up: DigiLocker uses mobile authentication based signup via OTP (one time password) for authenticating users and allowing access to the platform.Aadhaar Authentication based Issued Document Access: To receive issued documents from registered issuers, citizens need to authenticate themselves using Aadhaar's Biometric or Mobile OTP authentication service.ISO 27001 certified Data Centre: The application is hosted in a ISO 27001 security certified data centre.Data Redundancy: Data is backed up in secure environment with proper redundancy.Timed Log Out: To protect citizen's account from unauthorized access, our system is designed to terminate session automatically if extended inactivity is detected.Security Audit: The DigiLocker application has been security audited by a recognized audit agency and the application security audit certificate has been obtained.User Consent Based System: The data from DigiLocker is shared only with the citizen's explicit consent. All sharing and access activities are logged and conveyed to the citizen. Organizations that need access to citizens' certificates need to register on DigiLocker and seek explicit consent from the citizen.To know full details about the technical specifications of DigiLocker, please click here.Q) Who are the key stakeholders in the DigiLocker system?A) DigiLocker has three stakeholders. They are:Issuer: Entity issuing e-documents to individuals in a standard format and making them electronically available eg: CBSE, Registrar Office, Income Tax department, RTO (transport office), etc.Requester: Entity requesting secure access to a particular e-document stored within a repository (eg: University, Passport Office, Regional Transport Office, etc.)Resident: An individual who uses the Digital Locker service based on their Aadhaar number.Q) What are the main technology components of the DigiLocker system?A) The main technology components of the DigiLocker system include:Repository: Collection of e-documents that is exposed via standard APIs for secure, real-time access.Access Gateway: Secure online mechanism for requesters to access e-documents from various repositories in real-time using URI (Uniform Resource Indicator).DigiLocker Portal: Dedicated cloud based personal storage space, linked to each resident's Aadhaar for storing e-documents, or URIs of e-documents.To know full details about the technical specifications of DigiLocker, please click here.Q) What is the sign-up and sign-in procedure for DigiLocker? Can I link my Google or Facebook to DigiLocker?A) While signing up for a DigiLocker account, it is mandatory for a user to have an Aadhaar (UIDAI) number. A one-time password or OTP is sent to the users Aadhaar-linked mobile number, which they need to sign-up.For log-ins thereafter, a user can set a password of their choice, or link the account to their Facebook or Google logins. The choice of linking DigiLocker with Google or Facebook is given to every user, and is left to their discretion. It is not necessary to link them.Here is video explaining the sign-in and sign-up processes:Q) Can an NRI (Non Resident Indian) sign up using a foreign mobile number?A) No, it is not possible. You can register in DigiLocker using an Indian mobile number only.Q) Once I sign-up for DigiLocker, How can I get my eAadhaar linked with my account?A) Here are the steps to get eAadhaar in DigiLocker:Login to DigiLocker with your credentials.After logging into DigiLocker, you will see a dialog box with a message to get your eAadhaar.Click on "Click here" link.An OTP box will appear in the dialog.You will receive an OTP on your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.Enter this OTP in the OTP box and click "Verify OTP" button.On successful validation of the OTP you will be redirected to "Issued Document" page where URI for eAadhaar will be listed.Click on "Save" icon next to Aadhaar Card on "Issued Document" page. Your eAadhaar will be saved to "Uploaded Document" section.Q) Is DigiLocker only accessible through a web browser? Does DigiLocker have a Mobile App? What platforms is it available on?A) DigiLocker is available both for the web, as well as mobile. This means, a user can access their DigiLocker account both, from a web or mobile browser, as well as the DigiLocker Mobile App.The DigiLocker Mobile App (mobile application) is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store. Click on the links in this answer, while on your mobile phone, to download the DigiLocker App.Q) What are the rules and amendments to use DigiLocker?A) To know all about the rules and amendments of DigiLocker, please click here. The first 8 pages are in Hindi. For English, please go straight to page 9.Q) How do I upload and e-sign documents on DigiLocker?A) Here is a video explaining the entire process of uploading and e-signing documents on DigiLocker:Q) How do I get documents issued on DigiLocker?A) Here is a video explaining the entire process of getting documents issued on DigiLocker:Q) What is DigiLocker integration with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). What are the benefits of this integration for citizens?A) DigiLocker has partnered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for making available digital driving license and vehicle registration certificates to Indian citizens. Under this partnership, DigiLocker is now directly integrated with the National Register, which is the national database of driving license and vehicle registration data across the country. Henceforth, DigiLocker users will be able to access their digital RC and DL both on desktop computers and on mobile devices.Here are the benefits of this integration:Paperless Services: Digital driving license and vehicle registration will minimize the use of physical documents.Authentic Records: Citizens can share the authentic digital certificates directly from the data source with other departments as identity and address proof resulting in reduction of administrative overhead.Spot Verification: The digital RC and DL in a DigiLocker account can be spot verified for authenticity either by validating the Digital Signature of MoRTH on the PDF copy of the document or by scanning the QR code on digital documents by using the QR scan facility on DigiLocker mobile app.Q) What is the process of getting my digital DL (driving license) and RC (registration certificate) in DigiLocker?A) For getting the digital RC and DL, users should ensure their Aadhaar number is linked with their DigiLocker account. Once this is done, they can go to the "Pull Partner Documents" section, select the issuer and document type and enter the document details asked for. This will allow them to fetch their document from the transport ministry database. Once the document is fetched, users can save a permanent link (URI) to this digital document in their "Issued Documents" section for later reuse.While fetching the transport ministry digital records in DigiLocker, your name in your Aadhaar card should match your name in the RC and DL database of the National Register. This ensures that only the rightful owner of the documents is able to fetch the digital DL and RC.Please click here to get a step by step demo for the process of getting the digital RC and DL.Citizens can get their Digital RC and DL on both desktop and on mobile devices (Android only at present, iOS coming soon.)Q) How can I be sure that the Digital RC and DL in DigiLocker is indeed coming from the transport ministry database? Are these digital records authentic and legally valid under Indian laws?A) The digital RC and DL in DigiLocker is digitally signed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is fetched in real-time directly from the National Register database and has a timestamp for record keeping purposes. This digital document is a legally valid document under the Indian IT Act 2000.Q) How can a CBSE Class XII student get access to their digital mark sheet on DigiLocker?A) DigiLocker has partnered with CBSE for issuing digital mark sheets to 2016 Class XII students. Students who have registered their mobile number with CBSE would receive their DigiLocker account credentials through SMS, while those who don't have their mobiles registered with CBSE would need to create a DigiLocker account with their mobile number, sync with their Aadhaar number and then pull their mark sheet from the CBSE databases.For step by step instructions on how to do this, please click here.Q) What are issued documents and what are uploaded documents?A) Issued documents are e-documents issued by various government agencies in electronic format directly from the original data source and the URI (link) of these documents is available in the issued documents section of DigiLocker. Whereas uploaded documents are those e-documents uploaded directly by the DigiLocker user.Q) What is the maximum allowed file size that can be uploaded?A) Maximum allowed file size is 10MB.Q) What type of files can be uploaded?A) File types that can be uploaded - pdf, jpeg & png.Q) What is the meaning of URI?A) A URI is a Uniform Resource Identifier generated by the issuer department, which is mandatory for every e-document of the DigiLocker system. This unique URI can be resolved to a full URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to access the actual document in its appropriate repository.Q) What departments under the government have linked themselves to DigiLocker so far? What advisory has the government given to the states to officially recognise soft copies (on DigiLocker)?A) Here is the letter or advisory that the government has issued to all the states to officially recognise documents of citizens uploaded or fetched on DigiLocker. The letter also lists all the government departments that have linked themselves to DigiLocker.