Day: February 3, 2021
The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible: Ministry of External Affairs
Ministry of External Affairs Press Statement on recent comments by foreign individuals and entities on the farmers’ protests:
“The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector.
These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.
A very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms.
Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives.
Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held.
The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India.
Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them.
This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital.
Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India.
Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere.
Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint. It may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded.
We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.
Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken.
The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible. “
I can proudly say that we have reached an inflection point in domestic defence manufacturing and the trajectory from here on would only be upwards: Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh – Defence Minister:
Attended the Chiefs of Air Staff Conclave at Aero India show.
The CAS Conclave brings together senior dignitaries from Air Forces around the world.
It is but befitting to have such a conclave as part of Aero India which is primarily focused on Air Power & associated technologies.
The IAF has launched a major indigenisation drive for sustenance of all aircraft fleets and maintenance aspects and it is my belief that this will prove to be the growth engine for India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capability.
I can proudly say that we have reached an inflection point in domestic defence manufacturing and the trajectory from here on would only be upwards.
The big boost in SAI and NSFs budget will ensure that there is no shortage of funds and Olympic preparation is on in full swing: Kiren Rijiju
Kiren Rijiju – Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports:
The outlay for Annual Budget 2021-22 of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is Rs. 2596.14 crore, as against the outlay of Rs. 1800.15 crore approved for the revised Budget Plan 2020-21.
The Union budget of 2021-22 has allocated Rs 1960.14 crore to the Department of Sports. There is a major boost to the budget allocated to the Sports Authority of India, which is the nodal agency responsible for providing financial support to elite athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics scheduled in July 2021.
A budgetary increase in the National Sports Federations (NSFs) will also assist further in supporting the Olympic preparation of Indian athletes.
Briefing the media about the budget, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri. KirenRijiju said,
“This is the Olympic year and Olympic preparation is the major thrust of the Government right now. The big boost in SAI and NSFs budget will ensure that there is no shortage of funds and Olympic preparation is on in full swing. We are preparing in the best way possible.”
Shri Rijiju added that whatever is required by the athletes or any federation for training of players will be provided and there is no crisis of funds.
“There is no pending any kind of demand made by the athletes or federations. Sports Ministry in not facing any type of financial crunch. If we feel any requirement, revised estimate is always there”, the Minister explained.
SAI has been allocated Rs 660.41 crores, a 32.08 percent rise in allocated budget as compared to the Budget Estimate of 2020-21. Secretary Department of Sports, Shri Mittal said that the substantial increase will lead to higher spends in the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition, which is used to fund the training of athletes.
Shri Ravi Mittal further said that the NSFs have received an allocation of Rs 280 crore, with a hike of 14.28 percent over the budget estimate of 2020-21.
Shri Mittal added that the budget for the government’s flagship Khelo India programme has also seen a 72.04 percent increase in budget estimate as compared to revised estimate for the year current year.
Last year, the Khelo India budget could not be used for infrastructure development or coaching camps owing to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Secretary of Department of Youth Affairs, Ms. Usha Sharma said, “Our programmes will grow and they will be presented in the new form with better synergy with Department of Sports.
Presentation and implementation of programmes would be more vibrant where we would be mobilizing the community and motivating them to join the platform of volunteer.
In the guidance of YAS Minister, we have set a target of one crore youth volunteers. We are soon going to launch a massive campaign for this.”
NHAI contractor creates World Record – laying 2,580 meters X 4 lanes, approximately 10.32 lane Kms in 24 hours
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways via PIB India:
An NHAI contractor has created a World Record for the laying of Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) for a four-lane highway of 2,580 meters length within 24 hours.
Starting at 8 am on 1st February, 2021, they finished the job, totalling 2,580 meters X 4 lanes i.e. approximately 10.32 lane kilometres by 8 am next morning.
With a width of 18.75 meters, as much an area as 48,711 square meters of concrete was laid for the expressway in 24 hours.
The highest quantity of concrete laid in 24 hours – 14,613 Cubic Meter was also achieved.
The feat by the contractor – Patel Infrastructure Limited – has been recognized by both the India Book of Records, and the Golden Book of World Records.
The record is part of the greenfield Delhi-Vadodara-Mumbai 8-lane Expressway project, and was carried out by the world’s largest fully automatic ultra-modern concrete paver machine.
The feat comes in the backdrop of the Ministry having constructed 8,169 km of National Highways (NHs) from April 2020 to 15 January 2021 in the current financial year 2020-21, i.e. with a speed of about 28.16 km per day.
During the same period in the last fiscal, 7,573 km roads were constructed, with a speed of 26.11 km per day.
The Ministry is hopeful that with such pace it should be able to cross construction target of 11,000 km by 31 March.
MCA revises threshold for paid up capital and turnover for Small Companies
Ministry of Corporate Affairs:
In line with the vision of the Government of India, the definition under the Companies Act, 2013 for Small Companies has now been revised by
increasing their thresholds for Paid up capital from “not exceeding Rs 50 lakh” to “not exceeding Rs 2 crore” &
Turnover from “not exceeding Rs 2 crore” to “not exceeding Rs 20 crore”.
This is expected to benefit more than two lakh companies in terms of lesser compliances, lesser filing fees and lesser penalties (in the event of any defaults).
Small companies are the backbone of our corporate world. They represent the Entrepreneurial aspirations & Innovation capabilities of lakhs of citizens.
They contribute to employment and GDP in a very substantial manner. The Government has always been committed to taking measures which create a more conducive business environment for such law abiding companies, including reduction of compliance burden on such companies.
Some of the benefits of reduction in compliance burden for over 2 lakh companies as a direct consequence of the revised definition are as under:
No need to prepare Cash flow statement as part of financial statement.
Where other companies require providing details of remuneration to directors and key managerial personnel, small companies are required to provide details of the only aggregate amount of remuneration drawn by directors in its Annual Return.
Mandatory rotation of auditor not required.
An Auditor of small companies is not required to report on the adequacy of the internal financial controls and its operating effectiveness in the auditor’s report.
Hold only two board meetings in a year.
Annual Return of the company can be signed by the Company Secretary, or where there is no company secretary, by a single director of the company.
Lesser penalties for Small Companies.
Lesser filing fees for Small Companies.
‘Niranjan: The Bomb Buster’ – An inspiring story worth reading!: Conrad Sangma
Conrad Sangma – Chief Minister, Meghalaya:
Maj Gen. (Dr) Bipin Bakshi, VSM, DDG of MP-IDSA presented a graphic novel named ‘Niranjan: The Bomb Buster’, authored by him which is a comic book on the NSG Black Cats’ action during the Pathankot Attack & the bravery of Lt. Col. Niranjan during the time.
An inspiring story worth reading!
Kerala govt. employees and pensioners will receive revised salaries and pension with effect from 1-07-2019: Thomas Isaac
Thomas Isaac – Finance Minister, Kerala:
Kerala govt. employees and pensioners will receive revised salaries and pension as per recommendation of Pay Commission with effect from 1-07-2019 on scale to scale basis.
The other recommendations will be examined by a secretaries committee.
Additional expenditure of 6000 cr.
Glad to meet Union Ministers.. had a fruitful discussion: Naveen Patnaik
Naveen Patnaik – Chief Minister, Odisha:
Glad to meet Union Ministers, Nitin Gadkari ji, Dharmendra Pradhanbjp ji, Pratap Sarangi ji & Gen VK Singh ji.
Had a fruitful discussion on Digha-Satpada Coastal Highway, Paradeep-Barbil Economic Corridor, NH projects in Kendujhar, port connectivity and expediting of other NH projects.
Had a good meeting with my Iranian counterpart, Brigadier General Amir Hatami: Rajnath Singh
Rajnath SIngh – Union Defence Minister:
Had a good meeting with my Iranian counterpart, Brigadier General Amir Hatami on the sidelines of Aero India show.
We discussed issues pertaining to defence cooperation and other regional issues.
We reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation between both the countries.
Soon all our buses in Delhi will have fully functional CCTV, GPS and Panic buttons: Kailash Gahlot
Kailash Gahlot – Minister, Delhi Govt.:
Happy to share that soon all our buses in Delhi will have fully functional CCTV, GPS and Panic buttons all connected to a Central Command Centre & 60+ Viewing centres with a crew trained in Quick Response.
Take a Walk Through the Envisaged New Delhi Railway Station: Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal – Union Minister:
Take a Walk Through the Envisaged New Delhi Railway Station:
With modern facilities for passengers and seamless integration with various transport modes,
the station offers a glimpse of the world-class services that await the citizens.
You may remember that our bright spot a few months ago was agriculture. The farmers worked, they saved India and you are destroying their lives: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi – Former Congress President:
Delhi is surrounded by farmers today. They give us sustenance, they work for us. Why is Delhi being converted into a fortress? Why is Govt threatening, beating & killing our farmers? Why is Govt not talking to our farmers, resolving this?
It is not good for peace & harmony of our country, future of our kisans, they need clarity.
PM says offer is still on table to postpone laws for 2 years. What does that mean? Either you believe you need to get rid of the laws or you don’t
With regard to the budget, I expected the government to support 99% people of India. This budget is the budget of 1% population only
India needs to put money in the hands of its people because if we want to start our economy, then it will be from the consumption side, it cannot be from the supply side
Had the government implemented NYAY scheme, if it had given money to small and medium industries, protected them, the economy could have been revived
What message did Indian Govt give to China by not increasing defense budget, that China can come inside Indian territory, do whatever, that you will not support Indian army?
How will our soldiers in Ladakh, our Airforce pilots feel today? What kind of patriotism is it that our army is braving the cold in Ladakh and you are not giving them enough resources. What kind of nationalism is this?
You may remember that our bright spot a few months ago was agriculture. The farmers worked, they saved India and you are destroying their lives. They are our backbone and you are killing them
Under the leadership of P Vijayan, LDF is systematically attacking constitutional bodies. The resolution against the CAG is dangerous to the democratic set-up: JP Nadda
BJP National President Shri JP Nadda addresses a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Via BJP India:
From gold smuggling cases, the Kphone scam, e-mobility and other such scams have embarrassed the people of Kerala.
In every project, the incumbent govt and ministers have only one agenda – how to fatten their purses.
In the gold smuggling scam, the involvement of the CM’s office has really embarrassed the self-respecting Malayalis, not just in Kerala but world over. It has given a very bad name and P Vijayan has lost his credibility.
Under the leadership of P Vijayan, LDF is systematically attacking constitutional bodies. The resolution against the CAG is dangerous to the democratic set-up.
BJP has emerged as the third principal pole in Kerala. The positive work done by PM Modi, the good, clean and effective administration provided by him has been widely appreciated by people of Kerala.
Keeping rules aside, over three lakh appointments have been done. This is a back door entry that is being done. Even the Kerala PSC has been a recruiting gown for CPM. It will bring difficult times to the Kerala polity in coming times.
Because of the ineffective political leadership today in the state, half of the COVID-19 cases are from Kerala. No strategy has been adopted till date. There’s a whopping 12% increase in cases, which is worrisome.
UDF and LDF are two sides of the same coin. Both are corrupt, have lost credibility and have no vision for the people of Kerala.
It is the industrious people of Kerala who are running the show, they should be appreciated. The leadership, however, has not been able to give direction.
Congress and Left will contest against each other in Kerala but ally in Bengal. This shows nothing but their ideological bankruptcy. They are just power-seekers and the common thread is corruption.
Rahul Gandhi hasn’t spoken one word on the Sabarimala issue till date. I’m told they are going to come up with a resolution! This is height of hypocrisy. When the agitation was going, they did not give a single statement.
Rs 65,000 crore has been given for National Highway projects to Kerala. Rs 1,957 crore has been provided for development of Kochi Metro.
Rs 1,378 crore for disaster management, Rs 607 crore for health, Rs 405 crore for judiciary, Rs 181 crore for higher education, Rs 1,086 crore for agriculture and special assistance of Rs 1,100 crore has also been provided.
Ever seen a Floating Bamboo Bridge? : Dr Jitendra Singh
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister :
Ever seen a Floating Bamboo Bridge?
Northeast is filled with many such beautiful Bamboo bridges in various regions.
Here’s a glimpse of few such bridges from different States.
Today food water electricity have been cut off for those who ensure National Food Security, as if they are enemies of the state! : Harsimrat Kaur Badal
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Former Union Cabinet Minister :
Concrete, spikes, trenches, barbed wire, trucks, barricades & heavy deployment of police in anti riot gear- WHERE was all this when required on Jan 26?
Today food water electricity have been cut off for those who ensure National Food Security, as if they are enemies of the state!
Attended the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India show in Bengaluru today : Rajnath Singh
Aero India 2021 inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa today at the Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister :
Attended the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India show in Bengaluru today. Despite the constraints posed by the global pandemic, I am pleased to see such a large number of participants in this year’s event.
The Aero India 21 will display the vast potential of India, and the multifarious opportunities that our country offers in the field of defence and aerospace sector. It also promises to be the World’s First Ever Hybrid Aero and Defence exhibition.
With blue sunny skies AFS Yelahanka welcomes you to Aero India 2021
Indian Air Force
