Pib

Pib

1. PM addresses inaugural session of 90th Annual General Meeting of FICCI

The Prime Minister said FICCI has a key role to play in sectors such as food processing, start-ups, artificial intelligence, solar power, healthcare etc. He urged FICCI to play the role of a think-tank for the MSME sector.

He recalled that around the time of FICCI's founding in 1927, Indian Industry had united against the Simon Commission that was constituted by the then British Government. He said that Indian Industry had joined all other sections of Indian society, in national interest, at that time.

The Prime Minister said that a lot has been achieved since independence, but several challenges have arisen as well. He said the poor seemed to be struggling against the system that came to be established, for things such as bank accounts, gas connections, scholarships, pensions etc. He said the Union Government is working to end this struggle, and to create a system that is transparent and sensitive.

The Prime Minister said that the Union Government is working to strengthen the banking system. He said the issue of NPAs is a legacy received by the current Government. He said, rumours are now being spread about the Financial Regulation and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill. He said organizations such as FICCI have a responsibility to generate awareness about such issues.

2. PM to dedicate naval submarine INS Kalvari to the nation tomorrow

The INS Kalvari is a diesel-electric attack submarine that has been built for the Indian Navy by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. It is the first of six such submarines that will be inducted into the Indian Navy, and represents a significant success for the "Make in India" initiative. The project has been undertaken with French collaboration.

3. Violation of Section 126 (1) (b) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 by certain TV Channels

Election Commission today received Reports & Complaints to the effect that some of TV channels in Gujarat have displayed interview given by Sh. Rahul Gandhi of Indian National Congress, in which Sh. Rahul Gandhi has been talking about election to Legislative Assembly of Gujarat, which are currently in progress and for which 2nd phase of poll is scheduled to be taken tomorrow i.e. 14th December, 2017. Such display falls within the definition of “election matter” under Section 126 (3) of Representation of the People Act, 1951 and display of such election matter within 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the poll going arears, amounts to violation of Section 126 (1)(b) of Representation of the People Act, 1951.

4. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shri Kiren Rijiju attend function to mark 25 years of India-ASEAN Partnership

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad said the ASEAN countries proudly flaunt their cultural moorings rooted in ancient India. He said the 3 C’s - Culture, Connectivity and Commerce will shape our ties with the ASEAN bloc. The importance New Delhi attaches to ASEAN is evident from the fact that leaders of all the ten ASEAN member nations will attend our next Republic Day celebrations, he added.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kiren Rijiju said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has started opening various channels on the borders to foster relations with neighbours, particularly in Eastern and North-Eastern Region (NER). The Land Ports Authority of India has taken up expansion of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh in Manipur for expansion of trade with Myanmar, India’s gateway to the ASEAN, and it will be inaugurated soon. He said the ICP in Agartala on Bangladesh border has started and few more ICPs besides Land Customs Stations and Border Haats will be set up.

Pointing out that India does not mean we start and end up with New Delhi, Shri Rijiju said a country begins from its borders and India has vast borders. He said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made amends and New Delhi’s policy today has changed from “Look East” to “Act East”. Shri Rijiju said the Prime Minister has said that India cannot progress unless the North-East develops. Shri Rijiju said the NER will be the link to the entire South East Asia. Even Andaman & Nicobar Islands are geographically close to the ASEAN, he added.

5. India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 250 Million for “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion” (SANKALP) Project

A Financing Agreement for IBRD loan of USD 250 million (equivalent) for the “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Project” was today signed with the World Bank.

The Objective of the project is to enhance institutional mechanisms for skills development and increase access to quality and market-relevant training for the work force.

The Key result areas for the project include Institutional Strengthening at the National and State Levels for Planning, Delivering, and Monitoring High-Quality Market-Relevant Training; Improved Quality and Market Relevance of Skills Development Programs; Improved access to and completion of skills training for female trainees and other disadvantaged groups; and Expanding skills training through private-public partnerships (PPPs).