MAJOR PORTS AUTHORITY BILL, 2020
Why in news? The Cabinet has given its nod to Major Ports Authority Bill that will replace a 1963 law governing country’s 12 major ports. Background: At present the ports are governed by a ports law of 1963. The major port sector has not seen the required level of fixed assets creation to pare the country’s high logistic costs owing […]
SAGARMALA PROGRAMME
What is Sagarmala Programme? The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. Aims of Sagarmala Programme The main vision of the Sagarmala […]
TARGETS OF NH CONSTRUCTION AND PPP MODELS
Why in news? Development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) is a continuous process. NH projects are identified annually as per available budgetary outlay, inter se priority, requirement of connectivity and traffic density. Government has fixed a target of 11000 Km for construction in the country for the current fiscal year. Salient features of the […]
MINERAL LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2020
Why in news? The Parliament has passed Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill 2020 that will amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015. Under the Bill: Allocation of coal/lignite blocks for composite prospecting licence cum mining lease has been provided. o Currently, separate licenses are provided for prospecting and mining of […]
POST LOCKDOWN, CII FOR PHASED REOPENING
Why in news? Amid talks over over extending the 21-day nationwide lockdown, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested to the government to follow a phased reopening plan with sectors such as manufacturing and construction, that provide mass employment, re-started first Details: The CII also sought a fiscal support package for FY21 limited to […]
CABINET GIVES CLEARANCE FOR TECHNICAL TEXTILES MISSION
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy and Economic Development, Industry and Infrastructure Why in news? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the setting up of a National Technical Textiles Mission at an total outlay of ₹1,480 Crore. The aim is to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the […]
CENTRE SET TO REVAMP IT ACT
Focus: GS-II Governance, GS-III Industry and Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? The government will soon kick-start the process of revamping the nearly 20-year old Information Technology Act, 2000, with an aim to bring it in tune with the technological advancements with a focus on stronger framework to deal with cybercrimes. An expert […]
WORLD STOCKS PLUNGE INTO BEAR MARKET, OIL SLUMPS – CONSUMERS TO GAIN FROM CHEAP OIL?
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy, Industry and Infrastructure, Prelims Why in news? Global stocks plunged into a bear market and oil slumped further on 12th March 2020, after stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank failed to calm investors alarmed by U.S. moves overnight to restrict travel from Europe over the spread of COVID-19. The price […]
THERMAL COAL IMPORTS FOR 2019 RISE 12.6%
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy, Industry and Infrastructure Why in news? India’s thermal coal imports rose 12.6% to nearly 200 million tonnes in 2019, government data reviewed by Reuters showed, reflecting the second straight year of growth in shipments of the fuel despite attempts by the government to cut imports. India’s Coal Imports Coal is among […]
NCLT APPROVES COCHIN SHIPYARD’S TEBMA PLAN
Focus: GS-III Industry and Infrastructure, Indian Economy Why in news? The Chennai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the ₹65-crore resolution plan submitted by Cochin Shipyard Limited for Tebma Shipyards Limited. NCLT noted that the resolution plan value was lower than the liquidation value of about ₹89.09 crore. However, it said […]