Moily approves GM crop trials
Approves decision of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) allowing over 200 successful gene modification trials for rice, wheat, maize, castor and cotton. His predecessor Jayanthi Natarajan had refused to approve the decision citing that the issue was pending in the Supreme Court.
75 % hike in poll expenditure limits
The Election Commission raises ceiling in expenditure from earlier Rs 40 lakh to Rs 70 lakh now for Lok Sabha elections. Limit for assembly seat raised to Rs. 28 lakh from the existing Rs 16 lakh.
SC to take final call on euthanasia
Refers the issue to a Constitution bench, saying there has been “inconsistent” opinion in its previous verdicts on withdrawing medical support to terminally ill patients. The bench will go into all aspects of the issue and take a final decision on framing guidelines.
Banks may influence project clearances to protect loans
Shareholders, including promoters of companies, will be asked to suffer the first loss instead of the banks that provided the debt. Banks can even push for change in government policies which may be impeding the proposed projects like environmental and land-use clearances.
CBI probe into aircraft deal
Defence Minister A K Antony orders investigations into allegations of bribery in a Rs 10,000 crore deal for supply of aircraft engines to state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by London-based Rolls Royce company.
Mandatory CSR spending from April 1
Companies have to spend 2% of their three-year average net profit towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
Cabinet hikes DA to 100%
Will benefit 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners. Salaries likely to increase by 30%.
Tribals get 50 days extra work under MGNREGA
Will benefit 14 lakh families that have got land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The extra 50 workdays would go to families who have completed 100 days of work in that financial year.
26,000 post offices to have ATMs
First ATM linked to post office savings opened in Chennai. Would also accept cards of other banks.
Virtual networks will cut call rates
Government likely to issue guidelines for setting up of virtual telecom networks that can offer voice and data connections at upto 50% less for domestic calls and 20-30% less for international ones.
RSBY now covers auto, taxi drivers
Government will pay 50% premium for the health insurance scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY). The scheme provides smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs 30,000 per family per annum to BPL families and now also covers auto/taxi drivers under unorganized workers category.
Online filing of appraisal report of IAS officers
Will bring transparency, better monitoring and immediate access to the PARs by the authorised users besides avoidance of loss of reports during transition.
9 lakh govt school principals to get trained
Centre launches National School Leadership programme to train principals /headmasters in government and government-aided schools.