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Consultation with North Eastern States on Tribal Development Held 1. Creating separate Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) and recent induction of Ministers of State from North East, are also indicative of the importance being accorded by the Government to the North Eastern States. 2. Perspective plans of North Eastern States for the 12th Plan regarding development of STs including strategies for bridging development deficits; to share specific initiatives/experience of North Eastern States for protection and empowerment of STs and to review pending issues relating to on-going schemes of the Ministries.
Water Conservation Day-19 NOV-2012 A function to mark birth anniversary of late Mrs Indira Gandhi, the 1st woman Prime Minister of India “ the National Integration as celebrate “Water Conservation Day". Create awareness regarding concern about depleting water resources & its vision for the water underlining the Ministry’s commitment to be an active contributor to the sustainability of this very important natural resource.
India and Singapore Review Security Ties Agreed that the on-going interactions between the defence establishments of the two countries, including through regular joint military training and exercises, had been useful. They also agreed to continue such interactions. In the context of the security situation in the Asia Pacific region, both Ministers acknowledged the role of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus framework in promoting dialogue and consensus in the region. Defence Minister reiterated India’s commitment to remain constructively engaged in activities under the ADMM Plus framework. ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
• •
Established in 2006 Meets annually
The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) is the highest defence mechanism within ASEAN. The annual ADMM facilitates the ASEAN defence ministers to discuss and exchange views on current defence and security issues and challenges faced in the region. The ADMM aims to promote mutual trust and confidence through greater understanding of defence and security challenges as well as enhancement of transparency and openness. To guide the ADMM cooperation, the Three-Year ADMM Work Programme (2008-2010) was adopted at the 2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007. The Work Programme (2008-2010) included measures and activities in five areas, namely 1) promoting regional defence and security cooperation; 2) shaping and sharing of norms; 3) conflict prevention; 4) conflict resolution; 5) post-conflict peace building. With the completion of the first term in 2010, the 5th ADMM adopted the new ADMM Three-Year Work Programme (2011-2013), which focuses on measures and activities in four areas, namely 1) strengthening regional defence and security cooperation; 2) enhancing existing practical cooperation and developing possible cooperation in defence and security; 3) promoting enhanced ties with Dialogue Partners; 4) shaping and sharing of norms. Cooperation in the ASEAN defence sector has grown steadily since its inception in 2006. Cooperation in the issue of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief has been progressing significantly in the ADMM The ASEAN Defence Ministers have adopted concept papers to advance the ADMM cooperation in this area, including the Concept Paper on the Use of ASEAN Military Assets and Capacities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and the Concept Paper on Defence Establishments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security.
ADMM-Plus
• •
Established in 2010 Meets triennially
2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007 adopted the ADMM-Plus Concept Paper .The ADMM-Plus process is a tool to engage ASEAN Dialogue Partners in dialogue and cooperation on defence and security matters. The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in HaNoi, VietNam, on 12 October 2010. At the Inaugural ADMM-Plus, the Defence Ministers agreed on five areas of practical cooperation to pursue under this new mechanism. These areas are maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, peacekeeping operations and military medicine. To facilitate cooperation on these areas, five Experts' Working Groups (EWGs) are established. By the end of 2011, all of the EWGs have held their inaugural meetings.
India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 70 Million for Additional Financing of Karnataka Health Systems Development and Reform Project
World Bank assistance of US$ 70 million for the “Additional Financing of Karnataka Health Systems Development and Reform Project” was signed
The main objective is to improve the health services delivery, public-private collaboration and financing particularly for the benefit of underserved and vulnerable groups in Karnataka. project component: 1. Strengthening of Existing Government Health Programs (ii) Innovations in Service Delivery and Health Financing (iii) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation The additional financing of the Project will be implemented till 31.3.2016.
Prime Minister’s Programme (PMEGP)
Employment
Generation
KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) is implementing a credit-linked subsidy programme named Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) from 2008-09 for generating self-employment through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. Under PMEGP, general category beneficiaries can avail of margin money subsidy of 25% of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas. For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs, minorities, women, ex-servicemen, physically handicapped, beneficiaries belonging to NER, hill and border areas, etc., the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas. There is no income ceiling for assistance under PMEGP. Below Poverty Line is also included in the scheme, subject to meeting the prescribed eligible conditions. The maximum cost of project is Rs. 25 lakh in the manufacturing sector and Rs.10 lakh in the service sector.
Cyber Security
The Joint Working Group has identified the guiding principles and objectives that would underpin the overall framework and roadmap for Public Private Partnership (PPP) on Cyber Security. It envisages setting up of Institutional Framework, Capacity building in the area of Cyber Security, Development of Cyber Security Standards & assurance mechanisms, augmentation of testing & certification facilities for Information Technology The key recommendation of The Joint Working Group include the following: 1. Setting up of a permanent Joint Working Group under the aegis of National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) with representatives from government as well as private sector. 2. Setting up of the Joint Committee of International Cooperation of Advocacy (JCICA). 3. The private sector will set up information Sharing & Analysis Sector (ISACs) in various sectors and cooperate with the sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) at the operational level.
4. The Joint Working Group has identified four pilot projects for collaboration which include: (I) Setting up of Pilot Testing Lab. (II) Conducting a test audit of a specified sector. (III) Studying vulnerabilities in a sample critical information infrastructure. (IV) Establishment of the multi – disciplinary Centre of Excellence. 5. Action has been initiated to work out the action plan for implementation of the recommendations.
Implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except North-Eastern States, J&K, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshdweep)
Implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except NorthEastern States, J&K, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshdweep) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the proposal for implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except North- Eastern States, J&K, Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep). The brief details of the proposal are: (i) Fixing of an ad-hoc uniform ex-factory price throughout the country at Rs. 27/- per litre for ethanol procured by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from the date of communication of the order till the time price is recommended by the expert committee and a decision taken thereon by the competent authority. The price of Rs. 27/- per litre would be purely interim in nature and subject to adjustment from the final price so determined. (ii) Noting the order for constitution of Expert Committee for pricing of ethanol, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Saumitra Chaudhury, Member Planning Commission, with Principal Advisor (Energy), Chairman, CACP, Joint Secretary from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Joint Secretary Sugar), a representative of Sugar Industry, and a representative from Oil Industry, as members. The committee would follow the procedure to determine the formula/ principle for pricing of ethanol. The Committee will submit its recommendations expeditiously. (iii) Instructing the OMCs to close all existing tenders and begin procurement of ethanol at the uniform ex-factory ad-hoc price of Rs. 27/- per litre from indigenous sources only. Thereafter the procurement would be done at the price approved on consideration of the recommendation of the Expert Committee. (iv) The procurement would be done under supply contracts with penalties on sugar industry for default in supply and on oil industry for not lifting ethanol. (v) The suppliers would need to fulfill all contractual obligation under existing supply contracts including for extended period. (vi) The OMCs will bear the transportation charges from the factory to the depot on the same rate at which the OMCs transport their products. The actual transportation would be done by the sugar factories. The OMCs would also bear the cost of import/ export-fees, taxes etc. as applicable. (vii) Constitution of a Working Group of officers which shall apart from allocating quantities and locations amongst suppliers, ascertain the availability of ethanol and recommend the blend percentage in the States and UTs up to a limit of 10% Projected Benefits
This proposal is targeted at enhancing benefits to the sugarcane farmers. Government intends to implement the programme early and this will be possible with a fixed price initially and thereafter dynamic formula based pricing recommended by the Expert Committee. The programme would become sustainable with the dynamic pricing formula which will ensure that there is no adverse impact on oil or the sugar industry. The proposal relating to variable percentage of blending
Water Conservation Day-19 NOV-2012 A function to mark birth anniversary of late Mrs Indira Gandhi, the 1st woman Prime Minister of India “ the National Integration as celebrate “Water Conservation Day". Create awareness regarding concern about depleting water resources & its vision for the water underlining the Ministry’s commitment to be an active contributor to the sustainability of this very important natural resource.
India and Singapore Review Security Ties Agreed that the on-going interactions between the defence establishments of the two countries, including through regular joint military training and exercises, had been useful. They also agreed to continue such interactions. In the context of the security situation in the Asia Pacific region, both Ministers acknowledged the role of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus framework in promoting dialogue and consensus in the region. Defence Minister reiterated India’s commitment to remain constructively engaged in activities under the ADMM Plus framework. ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
• •
Established in 2006 Meets annually
The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) is the highest defence mechanism within ASEAN. The annual ADMM facilitates the ASEAN defence ministers to discuss and exchange views on current defence and security issues and challenges faced in the region. The ADMM aims to promote mutual trust and confidence through greater understanding of defence and security challenges as well as enhancement of transparency and openness. To guide the ADMM cooperation, the Three-Year ADMM Work Programme (2008-2010) was adopted at the 2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007. The Work Programme (2008-2010) included measures and activities in five areas, namely 1) promoting regional defence and security cooperation; 2) shaping and sharing of norms; 3) conflict prevention; 4) conflict resolution; 5) post-conflict peace building. With the completion of the first term in 2010, the 5th ADMM adopted the new ADMM Three-Year Work Programme (2011-2013), which focuses on measures and activities in four areas, namely 1) strengthening regional defence and security cooperation; 2) enhancing existing practical cooperation and developing possible cooperation in defence and security; 3) promoting enhanced ties with Dialogue Partners; 4) shaping and sharing of norms. Cooperation in the ASEAN defence sector has grown steadily since its inception in 2006. Cooperation in the issue of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief has been progressing significantly in the ADMM The ASEAN Defence Ministers have adopted concept papers to advance the ADMM cooperation in this area, including the Concept Paper on the Use of ASEAN Military Assets and Capacities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and the Concept Paper on Defence Establishments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security.
ADMM-Plus
• •
Established in 2010 Meets triennially
2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007 adopted the ADMM-Plus Concept Paper .The ADMM-Plus process is a tool to engage ASEAN Dialogue Partners in dialogue and cooperation on defence and security matters. The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in HaNoi, VietNam, on 12 October 2010. At the Inaugural ADMM-Plus, the Defence Ministers agreed on five areas of practical cooperation to pursue under this new mechanism. These areas are maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, peacekeeping operations and military medicine. To facilitate cooperation on these areas, five Experts' Working Groups (EWGs) are established. By the end of 2011, all of the EWGs have held their inaugural meetings.
India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 70 Million for Additional Financing of Karnataka Health Systems Development and Reform Project
World Bank assistance of US$ 70 million for the “Additional Financing of Karnataka Health Systems Development and Reform Project” was signed
The main objective is to improve the health services delivery, public-private collaboration and financing particularly for the benefit of underserved and vulnerable groups in Karnataka. project component: 1. Strengthening of Existing Government Health Programs (ii) Innovations in Service Delivery and Health Financing (iii) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation The additional financing of the Project will be implemented till 31.3.2016.
Prime Minister’s Programme (PMEGP)
Employment
Generation
KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) is implementing a credit-linked subsidy programme named Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) from 2008-09 for generating self-employment through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. Under PMEGP, general category beneficiaries can avail of margin money subsidy of 25% of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas. For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs, minorities, women, ex-servicemen, physically handicapped, beneficiaries belonging to NER, hill and border areas, etc., the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas. There is no income ceiling for assistance under PMEGP. Below Poverty Line is also included in the scheme, subject to meeting the prescribed eligible conditions. The maximum cost of project is Rs. 25 lakh in the manufacturing sector and Rs.10 lakh in the service sector.
Cyber Security
The Joint Working Group has identified the guiding principles and objectives that would underpin the overall framework and roadmap for Public Private Partnership (PPP) on Cyber Security. It envisages setting up of Institutional Framework, Capacity building in the area of Cyber Security, Development of Cyber Security Standards & assurance mechanisms, augmentation of testing & certification facilities for Information Technology The key recommendation of The Joint Working Group include the following: 1. Setting up of a permanent Joint Working Group under the aegis of National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) with representatives from government as well as private sector. 2. Setting up of the Joint Committee of International Cooperation of Advocacy (JCICA). 3. The private sector will set up information Sharing & Analysis Sector (ISACs) in various sectors and cooperate with the sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) at the operational level.
4. The Joint Working Group has identified four pilot projects for collaboration which include: (I) Setting up of Pilot Testing Lab. (II) Conducting a test audit of a specified sector. (III) Studying vulnerabilities in a sample critical information infrastructure. (IV) Establishment of the multi – disciplinary Centre of Excellence. 5. Action has been initiated to work out the action plan for implementation of the recommendations.
Implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except North-Eastern States, J&K, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshdweep)
Implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except NorthEastern States, J&K, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshdweep) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the proposal for implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in the country (Except North- Eastern States, J&K, Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep). The brief details of the proposal are: (i) Fixing of an ad-hoc uniform ex-factory price throughout the country at Rs. 27/- per litre for ethanol procured by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from the date of communication of the order till the time price is recommended by the expert committee and a decision taken thereon by the competent authority. The price of Rs. 27/- per litre would be purely interim in nature and subject to adjustment from the final price so determined. (ii) Noting the order for constitution of Expert Committee for pricing of ethanol, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Saumitra Chaudhury, Member Planning Commission, with Principal Advisor (Energy), Chairman, CACP, Joint Secretary from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Joint Secretary Sugar), a representative of Sugar Industry, and a representative from Oil Industry, as members. The committee would follow the procedure to determine the formula/ principle for pricing of ethanol. The Committee will submit its recommendations expeditiously. (iii) Instructing the OMCs to close all existing tenders and begin procurement of ethanol at the uniform ex-factory ad-hoc price of Rs. 27/- per litre from indigenous sources only. Thereafter the procurement would be done at the price approved on consideration of the recommendation of the Expert Committee. (iv) The procurement would be done under supply contracts with penalties on sugar industry for default in supply and on oil industry for not lifting ethanol. (v) The suppliers would need to fulfill all contractual obligation under existing supply contracts including for extended period. (vi) The OMCs will bear the transportation charges from the factory to the depot on the same rate at which the OMCs transport their products. The actual transportation would be done by the sugar factories. The OMCs would also bear the cost of import/ export-fees, taxes etc. as applicable. (vii) Constitution of a Working Group of officers which shall apart from allocating quantities and locations amongst suppliers, ascertain the availability of ethanol and recommend the blend percentage in the States and UTs up to a limit of 10% Projected Benefits
This proposal is targeted at enhancing benefits to the sugarcane farmers. Government intends to implement the programme early and this will be possible with a fixed price initially and thereafter dynamic formula based pricing recommended by the Expert Committee. The programme would become sustainable with the dynamic pricing formula which will ensure that there is no adverse impact on oil or the sugar industry. The proposal relating to variable percentage of blending
