Sunday, July 27, 2014
India against WTO pact on food security concerns
Defies developed nations who seek the trade facilitation which will disallow countries from giving food subsidies and store large amount of food.
NDA forms National Board for Wildlife, but flouts norms
The board must have five persons representing NGOs and 10 eminent conservationists but there are only two individual members and no representation from the NGOs.
India backs Palestine in UNHRC vote on Gaza
Joins 29 other nations on resolution which came after the 16-day conflict that killed over 680 Palestinians and 31 Israelis.
Supreme Court eases norms for SCs/STs’ promotions
Reverses earlier order but the states have to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in the public employment. Also it has to comply with Article 335 of the Constitution that allows promotion only if it does dilute the efficiency of administration.
No seize and search power for Sebi
The NDA government decides against granting search and seizure powers to the Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) while approving a Bill to empower the market regulator to deal with ponzi schemes and deal more effectively with investment frauds.
India pitches for second installment of Kyoto Protocol
The protocol would make legally binding on rich nations to cut their emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases under specified targets till 2020.
Special court for coal scam trial
Government objects to the Supreme Court's directions that any challenge to the interim orders of or appeals against the Special Court should come directly to the apex court instead of going to the Delhi High Court.
Double whammy to environment
Environment Ministry eases norms; no public hearing for expansion of coal mining projects producing up to 8 million tonnes of coal in a year. Ban on expansion of industries in critically polluted areas also lifted.
Commission headed by SC judge not ‘court’
SC dismisses contempt petition against former Indian Express Editor for criticising report by an SC judge. The court said the judge does not carry the powers and functions of a judge when he heads a commission.
NGT directive to environment ministry on expert panels
Not to appoint inexperienced persons and provide revised eligibility criteria and specific requirements for persons to be appointed as chairpersons of expert appraisal committees.
Public servants have to declare assets
Fresh rules orders them to declare assets and liabilities of themselves and family members every year.
New look MGNREGS under Modi Sarkar
To focus on sanitation projects to reduce open defecation, increasing green cover and emphasis on creating assets.
RBI relaxes norms for loans against gold ornaments
On December 30, banks had restricted the loans of up to Rs 1 lakh against pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery for non-agricultural end uses.
World Bank commits $18 bn loan to India in 3 years
Will be for building more quality infrastructure, expand financial access, improve investment climate and invest on people.
This is an update of policy news from July 20-27, 2014.