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Committies and Meeting
   
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Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Chairs Review Meeting of the UN World Food Programme's Country Programme Advisory Committee (CPAC).

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, chaired a review meeting of the UN World Food Programme's Country Programme Advisory Committee (CPAC). The meeting focused on assessing the progress and impact of ongoing food assistance programs aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition in India. Participants discussed strategies for improving collaboration between government agencies and the UN World Food Programme to optimize resource allocation and implementation. Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of aligning these initiatives with national agricultural policies to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

         The collaboration between the government and international organizations is crucial for addressing food insecurity challenges effectively.

          Innovative agricultural practices and technology adoption can significantly improve food production and farmer incomes in India.

         
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In the 54th GST Council meeting, a uniform tax rate of 18% was implemented to simplify compliance and support small businesses.

The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, took place in New Delhi, addressing key taxation issues. The council decided to implement a uniform tax rate of 18% on certain goods and services, aiming to simplify compliance. Additionally, it approved measures to enhance the efficiency of the GST network, focusing on digitalization and taxpayer services. The council emphasized the importance of revenue collection and announced initiatives to support small businesses. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further streamline processes and encourage transparency in GST operations across the country.

         The council also discussed strategies to reduce compliance costs and enhance awareness programs for taxpayers nationwide.

          The council proposed a review of current GST slabs to ensure fair taxation and improve revenue distribution.

         
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Holds 20th Meeting of the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) in Goa to Boost India's Maritime Sector.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) convened the 20th meeting of the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) in Goa to enhance India's maritime sector. The meeting focused on strategies to promote sustainable development, improve port infrastructure, and facilitate maritime trade. Participants discussed collaborative efforts between states to optimize resources and boost coastal economies. MoPSW emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology and innovation in maritime operations. The council aims to foster a robust maritime ecosystem that supports national economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. This initiative is a significant step towards strengthening India's position in the global maritime arena.

         The meeting addressed investment opportunities in port development to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.

          Stakeholders emphasized the need for policies promoting coastal community welfare and job creation in the maritime sector.

         
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Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Dissolves 14-Member Standing Committee on Statistics Amidst Delayed Census.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has dissolved its 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics due to ongoing delays in the national census. The committee, which was established to review and advise on statistical practices and methodologies, was disbanded amid concerns over the progress of the census and the accuracy of data collection. This decision reflects growing frustration over the delays and the need for more effective measures to ensure timely and reliable statistical reporting. The dissolution of the committee is expected to impact the development of statistical frameworks and the future of census-related activities.

         The dissolution aims to streamline the process and address issues in statistical data collection and reporting.

          The decision highlights the urgent need for reforms in the national census and statistical oversight mechanisms.

         
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PM Modi chairs first governing board meeting of newly formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the inaugural First governing board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The newly established foundation is set to serve as a premier body guiding strategic scientific research in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attended the meeting. The ANRF aims to enhance the direction and impact of scientific research, ensuring it meets high-level strategic goals outlined by the NEP.

         Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s participation highlights the importance of integrating education policy with research initiatives.

          The ANRF aims to foster innovation and excellence in scientific research, supporting India’s broader educational and research objectives.

         
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SEBI Forms 22-Member Advisory Committee on Listing Obligations.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently established a 22-member advisory committee to review and enhance listing obligations for companies. This committee aims to address various issues related to compliance, governance, and transparency in the listing process. Its mandate includes suggesting improvements to existing regulations and practices to ensure that companies adhere to high standards of disclosure and accountability. By incorporating diverse perspectives from industry experts, SEBI intends to streamline and strengthen the listing framework to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

         The committee will review regulatory frameworks to ensure they are in line with global best practices.

          Aims to enhance investor confidence by promoting greater transparency and accountability in the listing process.

         
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SEBI Forms 22-Member Advisory Committee on Listing Obligations.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently established a 22-member advisory committee to review and enhance listing obligations for companies. This committee aims to address various issues related to compliance, governance, and transparency in the listing process. Its mandate includes suggesting improvements to existing regulations and practices to ensure that companies adhere to high standards of disclosure and accountability. By incorporating diverse perspectives from industry experts, SEBI intends to streamline and strengthen the listing framework to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

         The committee will review regulatory frameworks to ensure they are in line with global best practices.

          Aims to enhance investor confidence by promoting greater transparency and accountability in the listing process.

         
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In the 8th EPC meeting, the Transport Ministry approved grants of ₹50 lakh each to 4 start-ups in transport technologies.

At the 8th Entrepreneurial Promotion Committee (EPC) meeting, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) approved grants of ₹50 lakhs each for four start-ups working in transport technologies. The initiative aims to support innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in the transportation sector. The selected start-ups will receive financial support to develop and implement their projects, contributing to advancements in transport infrastructure and technology. This move aligns with the government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation within the transport industry.

         The grants are intended to accelerate the growth of innovative transport solutions and improve sector efficiency.

          The approved start-ups will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing overall transport sustainability.

         
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Lok Sabha Speaker Forms Six New Parliamentary Committees for 2024-25.

The Lok Sabha Speaker has announced the formation of six new parliamentary committees for the 2024-25 session. These committees aim to address various legislative and administrative functions, enhancing the efficiency and oversight of parliamentary processes. The new committees include those focusing on critical areas such as finance, foreign affairs, and technology, among others. This strategic move is intended to streamline parliamentary work and ensure comprehensive scrutiny of proposed legislation. By establishing these committees, the Speaker hopes to foster more in-depth discussions and improved governance in the upcoming parliamentary session.

         The committees are expected to improve legislative efficiency and facilitate detailed reviews of key policies and proposals.

          Each committee will be chaired by a senior MP, ensuring experienced leadership and enhanced effectiveness in their functions.

         
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Shri Jayant Chaudhary attends Kaushal Samwaad on World Youth Skills Day 2024.

Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Jayant Chaudhary, attended an open house, "Kaushal Samwaad", to celebrate World Youth Skills Day, which is recognised globally by the United Nations. He also interacted with professionals, trained on various skills through different Skill India schemes and programs and their trainers during the event. The day also commemorated the 10th-year celebrations of the Skill India Mission. Shri Chaudhary and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, also planted a tree on the Kaushal Bhawan premises, symbolizing growth and the nurturing of talent.

         Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the importance of vocational skills in enhancing India's economic growth and development.

          The event highlighted successful stories of Skill India beneficiaries, motivating youth towards skill-based careers.

         
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Centre reconstitutes 8 Cabinet panels, NDA partners find place in key bodies.

The Union government reconstituted eight Cabinet committees on Wednesday, making room for members from NDA allies in the all-important Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), according to a notification on Wednesday.

         Included NDA allies in Economic and Political Affairs committees.

          Changes aimed to strengthen collaboration within the Union government.

         
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NQAS Assessment for AAMs, Dashboard for IPHS and Spot Food Licence Initiative for Food Vendors launched .

The federal association released a virtual National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessment for Ayushman Arogya Pyramid (AIIMS).A dashboard has also been launched that advises national, state and district health frameworks and hotels to engage with respect to the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and help them take action accordingly And food licensing and registration at one place for food items has also started.

          During the event, the Union Ministers conferred the virtually assessed health AAM-SC with the NQAS certificate.

          NQAS for Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHL) was also released during the event.

         
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