HIMACHAL PRADESH
Himachal Pradesh was hamstrung in GST implementation: CAG report
Himachal Pradesh government could not implement many of the procedures under the GST regime due to frequent changes in rules and regulations since its launch on July 1, 2017, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on the revenue sector of the state for the year that ended on March 31 last year has revealed.
The report said as per the model law approved by the Goods and Services Tax Council, the state government was prompt in its preparedness for implementation of goods and services tax under the Act and rules.
Report said the excise and taxation department needs to sort out the legacy issues like assessments of pre-GST cases, recovery of arrears and refund of tax relating to pre-GST regime expeditiously in a time-bound and focused manner. The GST network (GSTN) had also not been able to provide the complete IT solution.
The report says that there was an increase in the overall tax revenue from Rs 5,120.91 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 7,107.67 crore in 2017-18. During the year 2017-18, the revenue raised by the state government (Rs 9,471.52 crore) was 35% of the total revenue receipts. The balance 65% of the receipts during 2017-18 was from the Government of India as the share of net proceeds of divisible central taxes and grants-in-aid. There was an increase in revenue receipts over previous year by Rs 1,102.72 crore.
INTERNATIONAL
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 03 December
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed on 03 December.
This day is observed every year to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness.
The theme this year is ‘Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda’.
Typhoon Kammuri makes landfall at Luzon, Philippines
In the Philippines, typhoon Kammuri has made landfall at Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island.
Around two lakh residents have been evacuated from coastal and mountainous areas over fears of flooding, storm surges and landslides.
Kammuri is now expected the pass to the south of the capital Manila, which is hosting thousands of athletes for the regional Southeast Asian Games.
NATIONAL
MSME sector has contributed over 29 percent of GDP
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises reported that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector has contributed over 29% of Gross domestic product (GDP) and over 49% of Indian exports. The report was submitted by the Union MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The Indian government has taken many initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs.
Government has introduced various schemes like Micro and Small Enterprises–Cluster Development Programme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Upgradation Scheme (CLCS-TUS), Procurement and Marketing Support and support for MSMEs to participate in international exhibitions and trade fairs.
It has also conducted many conferences, summits, workshops, etc, to enhance the sector.
Ministry of Power introduces a new method to revive the power sector
The Ministry of Power, Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) has introduced a methodology help reduce stress in the power sector.
The new method is expected to revive stressed power stations. It will enable the deepening of the power market being traded through power exchange.
As per the new method, the Ministry of Power, CIL, SCCL will mark power plants that do not have power purchase agreements (PPAs) and supply to such plants. They will also conduct auctions every quarter.
Earlier, PPA was a pre-requisite to get coal linkage. But, the Central government has relaxed the norms under SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy from March 2019.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) is an agreement between the one who generates electricity (the seller) and the one who purchase electricity (the buyer).
Law Ministry launched a drive on fundamental duties
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a programme to create awareness of their fundamental duties among the citizens. The year-long drive is a part of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Constitution Day that was celebrated on 26 November.
The department will conduct activities such as online quizzes, essay competitions, and preamble pledge signing contest. It will be organized to educate them about their constitutional responsibilities.
The Fundamental Duties were incorporated in Part IV-A of the Constitution by the 42nd amendment. Article 51-A describes 11 Fundamental Duties. In 2002, one more duty was added by the 86th amendment. It was borrowed from USSR.
ECI to implement Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS). ECI has reviewed the system and process of registration of political parties. The new guidelines will be effective from 1 January 2020. The guidelines are available on the ECI’s website https://eci.gov.in. PPRTMS will be implemented through an online portal.
The portal will track the status of application by applicants. The applicant who applies for the party registration from 1 January 2020 onwards will be able to track the progress of the application.
Shivangi became the first naval woman pilot in India
Sub-Lieutenant Shivangi of the Indian Navy became the first naval woman pilot in India. She joined operational duties at the Kochi naval base on 2 December 2019. Shivangi received the qualification wings from Vice Admiral AK Chawla, the chief of Southern Naval Command. She will fly the Naval Dornier.
[/lockercat]HPPCS Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for HPPCS Prelims and HPPCS Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by HPPCS Notes are as follows:-
- HPPCS Mains Tests and Notes Program
- HPPCS Prelims Exam - Test Series and Notes Program
- HPPCS Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program
- HPPCS Detailed Complete Prelims Notes