Pib

Pib

1. Every citizen must consider it as his sacred duty to pay taxes: Vice President

India’s tax-to-GDP ratio is 16.6 per cent in FY2017, which compares with 26.0 per cent in the USA, 20.1 per cent in China, and 34.3 per cent in OECD countries. India needs to significantly ramp up its tax-to-GDP ratio to fund a modern 21st century government which can offer basic public goods and social security to its citizens. Direct tax collected in FY2018YTD has grown at 18.2 per cent. This increase in collection has been driven by increase in compliances with the number of taxpayers increasing for both direct and indirect taxes. 5.9 million tax-payers have registered for GST and 28.2 million people filed their income-tax returns for FY2017.

Demonetization, SIT on black money and notification of the Benami Transactions Act, 1988 are some of the strong steps taken to bring more economic activity into the tax net, even as the war on black money needs to continue unabated.

2. Shri O.P. Rawat takes over as new Chief Election Commissioner

Born on 2nd December, 1953, Sh. Rawat a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 1977 batch retired from active service in December, 2013. He served in various capacities in his cadre Madhya Pradesh as also the Centre including the post of Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Department of Public Enterprises from 3rd April 2012 to 31st December 2013.

Shri Rawat has served as Election Commissioner since 14th August 2015. During his tenure as Election Commissioner, State Assembly elections in the States of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakand, Manipur, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat were conducted successfully. Besides this, Presidential as well as Vice-Presidential elections were also conducted during his tenure as EC. Under his tenure at Election Commission, there will be General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies of Karnataka, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, including the ongoing General Election to Legislative Assemblies of three states i.e. Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

3. Inauguration of ASEAN India Business and Investment and Expo, Promoting Mutual Trade and Investment, 22-23rd January, 2018

The inaugural plenary, on the theme of ‘Promoting Mutual Trade and Investment for Shared Prosperity’ covered discussions on strengthening India’s economic relations with the countries in the East with both sides aiming to scale up bilateral trade and investment in the region. The session focused on trade facilitation measures taken to promote trade between India and ASEAN countries in manufacturing sector, promoting SME ecosystem to enhance entrepreneurship quotient in the region and startup culture to create new pipeline of ideas.

Mr Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, thanked the ASEAN ministers for their presence stating that India and ASEAN share deep and strong relations. He stressed that India is looking forward to further deepening our engagement with ASEAN, with all the special commemorative events lined up for the next few days, celebrating our Shared Values and Common Destiny. He further stated that this event will help to envision the next 25 years of India-ASEAN relations, highlighting our various sectoral collaborations.

ASEAN India Expo showcases the best in trade and services in India and ASEAN region. Buyers and exhibitors across the sectors such as Infrastructure, manufacturing, manufacturing & engineering, ICT, healthcare, Tourism, Environment, Agriculture, Science & technology, Finance and Banking, Logistics and Retail are participating in the Expo. The Expo has participation from businesses and CEOs across ASEAN countries, ASEAN country Pavilions, Pavilions of Indian States and Export Promotion Councils.

4. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Urges Scientists and Officers to Identify Ten Priority Areas and Ensure Ground-Level Implementation

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has urged the scientists and senior officers of Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Department of Biotechnology to identify 10 priority areas and ensure ground-level implementation that result in time-bound and measurable results. The Minister said that such an approach will pool and converge latest scientific and technical knowhow, financial and human and infrastructural resources to maximize outcomes and outputs in sectors such as water management, air quality management, soil management, waste management, climate change, marine & coastal biodiversity, disruptive technologies, skill development & upgradation and international conventions/ agreements.

The Minister also suggested drawing up a plan for the 115 least developed districts that have been identified by NITI Aayog under the guidance of the Prime Minister and urged the 5 Ministries/Departments to ensure time-bound implementation.

5. India team which won the recent 2018 Blind Cricket World Cup call on the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh

The India team which won the recent 2018 Blind Cricket World Cup in Sharjah, UAE, called on the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh here today. Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the team and hoped they will continue to win laurels for the country.

India beat Pakistan in the final of the 5th Blind Cricket World Cup in Sharjah, UAE on January 20, 2018 to win the title for the second time. Chasing a huge 308-run target in 40 overs, India romped home in the penultimate over of the match. India won the match by two wickets to clinch the trophy.