January 2017 - UPSC - TNPSC General Knowledge

1.Dantan Gramin Mela -2017:

· The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 28th Dantan Gramin Mela -2017 at Dantan, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal yesterday (19th January, 2017).

· Rural fairs like Dantan Gramin Mela promote brotherhood, harmony and peaceful co-existence among people.

· They reflect the eternal wisdom of rural areas and increase friendship amongst different sections of society.

· President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the 28th Dantan Gramin Mela in West Midnapore district in West Bengal in a few hours time.

· He is on a four-day visit to West Bengal. The fair will display the rural handicraft skills of the people of the region.

· The different goods ranging from textile to terracotta will be on display.

2.Interaction with Beneficiaries of Up-scaled: Revised 2013 Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme (LMCS):

· Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme (LMCS) is a part of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) under Ministry of MSME.

· It aims at improving the overall productivity of MSMEs by reduction of wastes with the help of lean manufacturing concepts.

· This scheme was started in 2009 as a pilot project in 100 clusters and based on its success; this scheme has been up-scaled for 500 more clusters.

· National Productivity Council has been associated with this scheme since inception as National Monitoring and Implementation Unit (NMIU).

· Till-date 200 MSME Clusters have been formed encompassing sectors such as Automobile, Engineering, White Goods, Handicrafts, Diamond Processing, Food Processing, Readymade Garments & Textile Cluster etc.

· The beneficiary MSMEs has witnessed an average increase in productivity level in the range of 20 to 25%.

Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme (LMCS):

· LMCS is being implemented across the country to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing MSMEs.

· The Objective of the Scheme is to enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of MSMEs through application of various Lean Manufacturing Techniques (e.g. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), 5S, Visual control, Standard Operation Procedures, Single Minutes Exchange of Dies or Quick Changeover (SMED), Value Stream Mapping, Just in Time, Kanban System, Kaizen, Cellular Layout, Poka Yoke).

National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme:

· On December 8,2014 the Government of India has announced formulation of a National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) with an aim to support the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in their endeavor to become competitive.

· The objective of NMCP is to develop global competitiveness among Indian MSMEs.

This programme targets at enhancing the entire value chain of the MSME sector through the following components:

· Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme for MSMEs;

· Promotion of Information & Communication Tools (ICT) in MSME sector;

· Technology and Quality Up gradation Support to MSMEs;

· Design Clinics scheme for MSMEs;

· Enabling Manufacturing Sector to be Competitive through Quality Management Standards (QMS) and Quality Technology Tools (QTT);

· Marketing Assistance and Technology Up gradation Scheme for MSMEs;

· National campaign for building awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR);

· Support for Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development of SMEs through Incubators.

· Bar Code under Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme.

3.India participates in JITSIC meeting on ‘Panama Papers’:

· India participated in the Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration (JITSIC) meeting held in Paris on January 2017 where 30 Revenue Authorities shared their findings on investigations arising from the Panama Papers; including the role of tax intermediaries such as financial institutions, advisers etc, who facilitate tax evasion.

· The meeting included sharing of best practices and information between participating member countries based on legal instruments under the tax treaties and OECD and Council of Europe Multilateral Convention.

· The sharing of this information within a group of this size is unique and sets the basis for greater cooperation amongst tax administrations.

· Joint International Task force on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration:

· The JITSIC brings together 36 of the world’s national tax administrations that have committed to more effective and efficient ways to deal with tax avoidance.

· It offers a platform to enable its members to actively collaborate within the legal framework of effective bilateral and multilateral conventions and tax information exchange agreements – sharing their experience, resources and expertise to tackle the issues they face in common.

· Open to all members of the OECD’s Forum on Tax Administration (FTA), the JITSIC operates through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in each country.

· It is supported by the FTA Secretariat based at the OECD.

· JITSIC was originally established in 2004 as the Joint International Tax Shelter Information Centre to combat cross-border tax avoidance.

· Building on its initial achievements, the JITSIC was re-established in 2014 with many new members from across the FTA.

Panama Papers:

· The “Panama Papers” reveal financial arrangements of politicians and public figures. The Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5m files from the database of the world’s fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca.

· The records were shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

· Panama is a country with no corporate income tax. People set up their companies here to avoid tax.

· Tax avoidance is an inevitable feature of any tax system, but the reason this particular form of avoidance grows and grows without bounds is that powerful politicians in powerful countries have chosen to let it happen.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development:

· The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) was formed in 1948 to administer American and Canadian aid in the framework of the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II.

· The OEEC Reformed in 1961 as the OECD.

· Type : Intergovernmental organisation

· Headquarters : Paris, France

· Membership : 35 states.

· India : not a member.

4.Amendment in Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme (PMGKDS), 2016

· The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, had notified Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme (PMGKDS), 2016 .

· The deposit under this Scheme shall be made by any person who declared undisclosed income under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016.

· The deposit sum, which shall not be less than twenty-five per cent of the declared undisclosed income, can be deposited at the authorized banks (as notified by Government of India) from December 17, 2016 (Saturday) to March 31, 2017 (Friday).

· In this connection, it is clarified that Co-operative Banks are not authorised banks to accept deposits under PMGKDS, 2016. Para 7 (1) of the notification stands amended as under:

· “7. Authorised banks.—(1) Application for the deposit in the form of Bonds Ledger Account shall be received by any banking company, other than Co-operative Banks, to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) applies.”

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana :

· PMGKY notified along with other provisions of Taxation Laws (Second Amendment) Act, 2016 came into effect from 17 December 2016.

· It will remain open until March 31, 2017.

· PMGKY is Union Government’s second income disclosure scheme (IDS) to allow tax evaders to come clean with unaccounted wealth.

· It provides for 50 per cent tax and surcharge on declarations of unaccounted cash deposited in banks.

· Salient features of Scheme Declaration under it can be made by any person in respect of undisclosed income in the form of cash or deposits in an account with bank or post ofãce or specified entity.

· Declarant of undisclosed income needs to pay 30% tax, 10% penalty and 33% Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Cess on the tax, all of which add up to around 50%.

· Besides, declarant must make mandatory deposit of 25% of undisclosed income in the zero-interest Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme, 2016 with lock-in period of 4 years.

· The income declared under it will not be included in the total income of the declarant under the Income-tax (IT) Act for any assessment year.

· Besides, declarations made under it will be kept confidential and shall not be admissible as evidence under any Act (ex. Wealth-tax Act, Central Excise Act, Companies Act etc.).

· However, declarant will have no immunity under Criminal Acts mentioned in section 199-O of the Scheme.

5.India – IORA :

· India concludes MoU on MSME Cooperation with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member Countries.

· IORA Special Fund Created to Carry Out Activities Under this MoU.

· The MoU will take effect for each party upon signature by 5 countries. The MoU finalized would be signed soon at an appropriate forum.

The focus areas of the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) are:

a. To finalise linkages and alliances amongst MSMEs organizations, associations and various institutions engaged in MSME development in their countries.

b. Exchange best practices, policies and programs for MSME development

c. Exchange greater involvement of MSMEs in the global supply chain, increase their market access.

d. Promote youth and women’s economic empowerment.

e. Encourage synergies with the IORA forum.

· IORA Secretariat at Mauritius will be the coordinating agency for the implementation of the MoU.

· IORA special fund created for the member countries to use it for to carrying out activities envisaged under this MoU.

Background:

· The MoU will enhance market access, promote access to finance, promote innovation as a key competitive advantage for MSME, build capacity in management and entrepreneurship.

· MSMEs constitute more than 90% of all business enterprises in the world and provide nearly 70% of global employment.

· The overwhelming majority of MSMEs in the developing world are micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees. India has more than 48 million MSMEs.

· These contribute more than 45% of India’s industrial output, 40% of the country’s total exports and create 1.3 million jobs every year.

Indian Ocean Rim Association:

When was IORA conceived on1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius

Origins:

· First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation.

· It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.

Members:

· 20 member states (including India) and 7 dialogue partners, the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation and the Indian Ocean Research Group has observer status. 20th member was Comoros (latest added in 2012).

Six priority areas:

1.Maritime safety and security

2.Trade and investment facilitation

3.Fisheries management

4.Disaster risk management

5.Academic science and technology cooperation

6.Tourism and cultural exchanges

6. Swachhta Pakhwada:

· Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh lauds the celebration of ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ in Ministry of Steel and its PSUs (January 1-15, 2017)

· All the CPSEs in the Ministry of Steel have also undertaken Swachhta Activities in their plants, mines, factories and campuses including residential areas. In addition, they have been specifically requested to undertake work relating to-

· Removal/ reduction of slag;

· Removal/ reduction of iron ore fines; and

· Recycling of gaseous waste in power generation.

7.India’s largest bank teams up with the nation’s largest Warship:

· INS Vikramaditya, the largest warship and latest aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, has a strength of over 1500 personnel.

· A versatile national capability and a full-fledged township by herself, the ship has a new acquisition – an ATM machine installed onboard by the nation’s largest bank and banking network, the State Bank of India.

· The one-of-a-kind ATM machine was inaugurated onboard at a function at the Naval Base Karwar on 21 Jan 17, jointly by Rear Admiral KJ Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area and Shri Rajnish Kumar, Managing Director and Group Executive (National Banking Group), State Bank of India.

8.Health Ministry to launch population based prevention, screening and control programme for five non-communicable diseases :

· Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) which are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and Asthma) and Cancer inter alia account for over 60% of all mortality in India.

· Of these, nearly 55% are premature mortality. This imposes a financial and social cost on families and the country. According to the World Economic Forum, India stands to lose $ 4.58 trillion (Rs 311.94 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to non-communicable diseases.

· Since these conditions do not exhibit symptoms until complications set in, it is essential to detect them early.

· Early detection of NCDs not only enables onset of treatment but prevents high financial costs and suffering.

· For some cancers, survival rates are good when they are detected and treated in the early stages.

· Screening for these conditions, which can be undertaken at the level of the sub centre or Primary health Centres helps early detection and also serves to raise health awareness among people to lead healthy lifestyles.

· Given that primary health care, including prevention and health promotion can lead to improved health and developmental outcomes at much lower cost, the Ministry is now expanding access to prevention and primary care services,

· As part of the National Health Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is launching population based prevention, screening and control programme for five common non-communicable diseases, namely Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancers of oral cavity, breast and cervix.

· On February 4th coinciding with World Cancer Day, Union Health and Family Welfare Minster is expected to launch the programme.

· The training of frontline workers- the ASHA and ANM which will be initiated and in some sub-centres, population based screening will also start.

· Detailed protocols for treatment, referrals and follow-up on these disease conditions will be provided.

· In the first phase, the population based screening component will be rolled out in 100 districts in 32 states and UTs with about 1000 sub-centres undertaking screening before March 31st of this year.

· ASHAs will also be capturing information on major risk factors so that persons at risk could be counselled on leading healthy lifestyles to prevent onset of NCDs.

· In subsequent phases, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory diseases will be included and the programme will be scaled up to cover other districts.

· Support to states will also be provided for community health promotion and prevention efforts, and referral and treatment.

9.Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) for Rubber Growers:

· Commerce & Industry Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS), an online system for recommending application of appropriate mix of fertilizers to the specific plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature in New Delhi.

· RubSIS, developed by Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) under the Rubber Board in collaboration with three agencies viz Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, ICAR and National Remote Sensing Center, ISRO.

· Brings soil data to the fingerprints of rubber growers and recommends the optimum mix and quantities of chemical fertilizers that his holding requires.

· It is a cost effective tool for sustainable &scientific management of rubber growing soils.

· Apart from preventing indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and soil degradation, adoption of RubSIS will lead to reduction in the cost of production of rubber, increase in productivity and reduction in environmental pollution.

· The scientific and user friendly online fertiliser recommendation system was launched today for Kottayam (Kerela), the largest rubber growing district of India which will be extended to the entire traditional rubber growing region i.e. the states of Kerela and Tamilnadu this year.

10.Second Commitment Period of Kyoto Protocol:

· Cabinet approves ratification of the Second Commitment Period of Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

· The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to ratify the Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs).

· The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 2012. So far, 75 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period.

· In view of the critical role played by India in securing international consensus on climate change issues, this decision further underlines India's leadership in the comity of nations committed to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice.

· Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by India will encourage other developing countries also to undertake this exercise.

· Implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects under this commitment period in accordance with Suslainable Development priorities will attract some investments in India as well.

· The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) seeks to stabilise Green House Gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would minimize interference with the climate system.

· Recognizing that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) in the atmosphere, the Kyoto Protocol places commitments on developed nations to undertake mitigation targets and to provide financial resources and transfer of technology to the developing nations.

· Developing countries like India have no mandatory mitigation obligations or targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

Background:

· The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and the 1st commitment period was from 2008-2012.

· At Doha in 2012, the amendments to Kyoto Protocol for the 2nd commitment period (the Doha Amendment) were successfully adopted for the period 2013- 2020.

· Developed countries have already started implementing their commitments under the 'opt-in' provisions of the Doha Amendment.

· India has always emphasized the importance of climate actions by developed country Parties in the pre-2020 period.

· Besides, it has advocated climate actions based on the principles and provisions of the Convention, such as the principle of Equity and Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR & RC).

11.Cabinet approves a New Scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country :

· The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country.

· The Government would provide interest subsidy under the scheme. Interest subsidy would be available to every rural household who is not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (Grameen), PMAY(G).

· The scheme would enable people in rural areas to construct new houses or add to their existing pucca houses to improve their dwelling units.

· The beneficiary who takes a loan under the scheme would be provided interest subsidy for loan amount upto Rs. 2 Lakhs.

· National Housing Bank would implement the scheme.

· The Government would provide net present value of the interest subsidy of 3 percent to the National Housing Bank upfront which will, in turn, pass it to the Primary Lending Institutions (Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs etc.). As a result the equated monthly installment (EMI) for the beneficiary would be reduced.

· Under the scheme, the Government would also take necessary steps for proper convergence with PMAY-G including technical support to beneficiary through existing arrangements.

· The new scheme is expected to improve housing stock in the rural areas, as well as create employment opportunities in rural housing sector.

12.LCA (TEJAS) and AEW&C will Fly-Past for first time at RD Parade -2017:

· The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) developed by DRDO will fly-past for the first time during the Republic Day Parade 2017.

· Representing India’s stride in indigenous Defence Technologies, the DRDO contingent this year consists of the 155 mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and Arudhra- the Medium Power Radar.

TEJAS :

· Tejas is indigenously developed by Aeronautical Development Agency, an autonomous society of DRDO and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

· It is a light-weight and multirole four plus generation tactical fighter aircraft which can carry laser guided bombs and modern missiles to cause extreme damage to the target.

· Tejas has been inducted into 45th Squadron of Indian Air Force. It is a move towards self-reliance in ‘Air Power’ requirement of the nation.

· Tejas is the pride of the country and a step towards “Make in India” initiative.

AEW&C:

· The Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) is an ‘Eye in the Sky’.

· It is a force multiplier, developed by DRDO for IAF with Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) as nodal agency. AEW&C system consists of multiple sensors for Surveillance and Signal Intelligence.

· It helps in Air Defence operations and is capable of communicating using VHF, UHF, C-Band and SATCOM links for Network Centric Operations.

· Induction of AEW&C into services will make the country self-reliant and position India in top five countries having this capability.

ATAGS:

· The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is an indigenous weapon system developed by DRDO under Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

· Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); a Pune based premiere R&D establishment of DRDO is the nodal agency for design and development of ATAGS with industry partners namely Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Power SED.

· ATAGS has excellent accuracy, consistency, mobility, reliability and automation and is capable of achieving 47 plus km range.

· The armament system of the ATAGS which comprises 52 calibre Gun Barrel with Breech Mechanism, Muzzle Brake and Recoil System has been designed and developed to fire the 155 mm calibre ammunitions held by Army with enhanced range, accuracy and precision as well as greater fire power.

· The system is configured with All Electric Drive technology for the first time in the world that will ensure maintenance free and reliable operation over longer periods of time.

Arudhra:

· Medium Power Radar - Arudhra has been indigenously developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru, an establishment of DRDO.

· Arudhra is the first indigenous rotating active phased array multi-function radar with Digital Beam forming technology.

· The radar covers 360 degree in azimuth and is capable of performing volumetric surveillance to detect and track aerial targets up to 400 km in range and 30 km altitude.

· This radar can survive intense ECM environment and electromagnetic interference.

· It is integrated with modern identification of Friend or Foe system to recognize enemy targets and is transportable by road, rail and Air.

13.Extending Outreach of Passport Services through Network of Post Offices:

· The Passport Seva Project (PSP), an ambitious Mission Mode Project of the Government of India, is being successfully run in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode as part of the National e-Governance Plan.

· It has emerged as one of the most noticeable statutory and citizen-centric services being rendered by the Government. M/s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is the Service Provider for the PSP.

· At present, 89 Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) with best-in-class amenities are operating across the country as extended arms of the 38 Passport Offices, thus providing extended reach to passport applicants.

· Several quantitative and qualitative improvements in the delivery of passport services in the country have been made during the last two and a half years.

· The Ministry of External Affairs has engaged closely with the Police Departments across States/ Union Territories to reduce the time taken in completion of Police Verification Report (PVR) for expeditious issuance of Passports.

· The Department of Posts has been a valuable partner of the Ministry of External Affairs in the PSP by ensuring timely despatch and delivery of the passports from the Passport Offices to the registered address of the passport applicants.

· In order to streamline, liberalize and ease the process of issue of passport, the Ministry of External Affairs has made several changes towards the end of last year in the realm of passport policy which is expected to benefit the citizens of India applying for a passport.

· It is expected that these changes in the Passport Rules would further ease the process for passport applicants in getting their passports.

14.Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana - 2017

· The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its post-facto approval for launching of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017). It is a part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security.

· The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.

· The scheme will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / halfyearly and annual basis.

· The differential return, i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as subsidy on an annual basis.

· VPBY-2017 is proposed to be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch.

15.‘BHARAT PARV’ being Organized at Red Fort from 26th to 31st January 2017:

· The “Bharat Parv” event is being organized by the Government of India at the Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31stJanuary 2017, as part of the Republic Day 2017Celebrations.

· The prime objective of organizing the event is to generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country, to ensure wider participation of the general public and to popularise the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

· The Ministry of Tourism has been designated as the nodal Ministry for the event, the highlights of which include display of the Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the Armed Forces Bands (static and moving), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country and a Photo Exhibition by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

16.New and Renewable Energy Sector Achievements Report:

· The Government has revised its target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by end of 2022, making it the largest expansion in the world and providing plenty of opportunities for investors.

· The UN Environment Program’s (UNEP) ‘Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2016’ report ranks India among the top ten countries in the world investing in renewable energy.

· The Government is also committed to Clean Energy and is driving efforts to achieve 40% power installed capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources and reducing emissions by 33- 35% of its GDP by 2030.

· The New & Renewable Energy sector has witnessed the highest ever-solar power and wind power capacity addition over the last two years since April 2014.

Key achievements in the sector during the last 2 years are:

· The world's largest 648-MW solar power plant was commissioned in Tamil Nadu on September 21, 2016.

· A 157% increase in solar power capacity addition (4132 MW) during the last two years (FY2014-15 & FY 2015-16).

· Highest ever wind power capacity addition of 3300 MW in 2015-16.

· 34 solar parks of aggregate capacity of 20,000 MW have been sanctioned for 21 states. INR 356.63 crores has been released to Solar Energy Corporation of India for the projects.

· 31,472 solar water pumps were installed in 2015-16; this is higher than total number of pumps installed during the last 24 years since 1991.

· 501 MW grid connected solar rooftop projects have been installed in the country.

Policy Initiatives & Investments:

· FDI Policy 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route for projects of renewable power generation and distribution subject to provisions of The Electricity Act, 2003.

Fiscal Incentives:

· The Government has provided a whole host of financial and fiscal incentives for promoting renewable energy projects.

· Fiscal incentives such as accelerated depreciation, concessional custom duty, excise duty exemption, income tax holidays for 10 years to promote renewable energy.

· To promote solar roof tops, INR 5,000 crore has been approved for implementation of Grid Connected Rooftops systems over a period of five years up to 2019-20 under National Solar Mission (NSM).

· Clean Energy Fund – Clean environment cess on coal, lignite and peat has been doubled from Rs.200 per tonne to Rs.400 per tonne, to promote use of renewable energy sources (Budget 2016-17).

· Renewable energy projects included in priority sector lending norms of commercial banks (RBI, April 2015).

· Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) - New coal/lignite based thermal plants after specified date to also establish/procure/purchase renewable capacity (January 2016).

· Inter-sate transmission charges and losses for Wind and Solar projects have been waived off (January 2016).

· Provision of rooftop solar and 10% renewable energy is now mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities (October 31, 2016).

· Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects MNRE launched the scheme for development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects on December 12, 2014. 25 Solar Parks with capacity of 500 MW and above (smaller parks of lesser capacity for Himalayan and hilly regions) and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects targeting over 20,000 MW of solar power installed capacity will be set up within a span of 5 years starting from 2014- 15.

· Scheme for Development of Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks/ Canal Tops “Pilot-cum-Demonstration Project for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops” was approved on December 5, 2014. A target of 100 MW Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops (50 MW on Canal Tops and 50 MW on Canal Banks) has been set.

Some of the incentives under the scheme are:

· INR 3 crore/MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, for Canal Top SPV projects and Rs. 1.5 crore/MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, for Canal Bank SPV projects

· Assistance of INR 225 crore for 100 MW (50 MW on Canal Tops and 50 MW on Canal Banks) to be disbursed over a period of maximum 2 years post sanctioning of the plants.

· 16 MW of canal top/ canal bank solar projects have been commissioned as on December 16, 2016 under the scheme.

· National Off-Shore Wind Energy Policy 2015 was announced to facilitate offshore wind farms in the territorial waters of India.

· Government has recently approved amendments in tariff policy in Jan. 2016 which envisages long term trajectory of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) prescribing purchase of solar energy to promote renewable energy with an aim to reach up to 8% of total electricity consumption by March, 2022.

· Government is implementing the Green Energy Corridor Project for Strengthening interstate and intra-state transmission system along with other control infrastructure to facilitate integration of large scale renewable energy generation.

Ease of Doing Business:

· Renewable energy has been re-classified as ‘white category.’ Previously, this sector was under ‘green category’ and the re-classification will enable ease of doing business as setting up of solar and wind power plants will be exempt from seeking environmental clearances from Ministry and consent from State Pollution Control Boards.

· Skill Development About 98,000 people work in the four major areas of renewable energy i.e. Solar, Wind, Biomass and Small Hydro Power.

· To meet the rising demand and manage the gaps in capacity of trained manpower, the Government in May 2015 set a target of achieving 50,000 “SuryaMitras” of skilled manpower in solar energy sector by 2019-20. 5,492 SuryaMitras have been trained under the program as on September 30, 2016 with over 150 institutes across the country implementing the Suryamitra program and creating job opportunities for unemployed youth.

· Currently, 3000 are undergoing training.

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