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Highlights of this Issue
Budget session 2018 of Parliament ends
Both the Houses passed the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Finance Bill, 2018 and the Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were passed by Lok Sabha.
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 promulgated
It seeks to confiscate and dispose properties of an economic offender who has absconded from the country to avoid facing prosecution. Further, a court or tribunal may bar such a person from filing or defending civil claims.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 promulgated
It seeks to amend certain laws relating to rape of minor girls. The Ordinance introduces the death penalty for rape of girls below the age of 12 years, and increases penalty for rape of girls below the age of 16 years.
Labour Ministry releases draft labour codes on social security and health and safety
The draft Social Security Code consolidates 17 laws related to social security, including the Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952. The Health and Occupational Safety Code consolidates 13 labour laws, including Factories Act.
Insolvency Law Committee submits report on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
Recommendations include: (i) inserting a clarification in the Code that home buyers would constitute financial creditors; and (ii) reducing voting share threshold from 75% to 66% for approval of an insolvency resolution plan.
Draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018 released
The draft notification reduces the Coastal Regulation Zone limits on land along tidal influenced water bodies from 100 meters to 50 meters. It also seeks to de-limit and permit the prevailing FSI for construction projects.
Law Commission releases summary of working paper on simultaneous elections
The Commission recommended that simultaneous elections may be restored in India, through appropriate amendments. It also recommended that no-confidence motion be replaced with constructive vote of no confidence.
Draft Defence Production Policy released by the Ministry of Defence
The draft Policy seeks to reduce India’s current dependence on imports, and achieve self-reliance in development and manufacture of 13 categories of weapon systems, including fighter aircrafts, by 2025.
Cabinet approves amendments to Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
The amendments seek to include the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights as a deemed member of the NHRC. It also seeks to address human rights violation in Union Territories.
Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Draft Bill released
The Draft Bill outlines the process for making an application for maintenance. Further, the Maintenance Tribunal will determine the allowance payable by children/relatives to senior citizens, in case of their refusal to pay.
Standing Committee submits report on the impact of Cyclone Ockhi
Recommendations include: (i) developing forecasting models for detecting rapid intensification of cyclones, and (ii) revising cost sharing between central and state governments as per 14th Finance Commission recommendations.
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Budget Session 2018 of Parliament ended on April 6, 2018.[1] Lok Sabha sat for 29 days while Rajya Sabha sat for 30 days. 40 Bills were listed for passage including the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017, the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017, the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, and the Code on Wages, 2017. Of these, only one Bill (The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017) was passed by Parliament. The Finance Bill, 2018 and the Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were passed by Lok Sabha.
The second part of the session was entirely washed out as some MPs disrupted the proceedings. The Union Budget – including the Finance Bill and the entire expenditure of Rs 24 lakh crore – was passed without any discussion.
Bills introduced in this session include the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018, and the Chit Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
For more details on legislative business taken up during the Budget Session 2018, please see here.
For details on the functioning of Parliament during the session, please see here.
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org))
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation decreased to 4.3% in March 2018 from 5.1% in January 2018.[2] During this period, food inflation also decreased from 4.7% to 2.8%, year-on-year.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation (base year 2011-12) was at 2.5% in February and March 2018, marginally low from 2.8% in January 2018, year-on-year.[3] Trends in inflation during the fourth quarter of 2017-18 are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Inflation trends in Q4 of 2017-18 (% change year on year)
Sources: Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; PRS.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released the first Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement of 2018-19.[4] The policy repo rate (at which RBI lends money to banks) was kept unchanged at 6% by a majority vote of the members. One member voted for an increase in the rate by 0.25%.4 Other decisions of the MPC include:
Vatsal Khullar (vatsal@prsindia.org)
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 was promulgated on April 21, 2018.[5] It seeks to confiscate properties of economic offenders who have left the country to avoid facing criminal prosecution, or refuse to return to the country to face prosecution. Note that the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 12, 2018 and is currently pending passage.[6] Key features of the Ordinance include:
For a PRS Ordinance Summary, see here.
The Expert Committee on Integration of Commodity Spot and Derivatives Markets submitted its report (Chair: Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog).[7] Commodity spot markets are those markets where the sale and delivery of commodities takes place immediately or within 11 days (e.g. a mandi for vegetables). In the commodity derivatives market, the exchange of commodities takes place at a later date, on certain conditions agreed upon previously. Alternatively, instead of delivery of goods, the difference between the prevailing price and the originally agreed-upon price may be paid or received. Recommendations of the Expert Committee include:
For more details on the model APLM Act, see the PRS Monthly Policy Review for May 2017, here.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prohibited entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual currencies, or facilitating any person from dealing in virtual currencies.[9] Virtual currencies, such as bitcoins, are stored and transacted in digital forms. RBI mandated that all regulated entities, which were providing such services, discontinue the relationship within three months.
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 was promulgated on April 21, 2018.[10] It amends certain laws related to rape of minors. Key features of the Bill include:
Amendments to Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Table 1: New offences under the IPC, 1860
Age |
Offence |
Punishment |
Below 12 years |
Rape |
Rigorous imprisonment of at least 20 years extendable to life imprisonment, along with fine to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation cost of the victim, or, death. |
Gang Rape |
Life imprisonment, along with fine, to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation cost of the victim, or, death. |
|
Below 16 years |
Rape |
Previously, the punishment for rape was imprisonment of ten years extendable to life imprisonment, along with fine. This has been enhanced to a minimum rigorous imprisonment of at least 20 years, extendable to life imprisonment, along with fine to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation cost of victim. |
Gang Rape |
Life imprisonment, along with fine, to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation cost of victim. |
Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860; The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018; PRS.
For a PRS Ordinance Summary, see here.
The Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 in Parliament.[11] The Bill seeks to amend the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Act provides for the constitution of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs), and Human Rights Courts. Key features of the Bill approved by the Cabinet are:
The Law Commission of India (Chair: Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan) released the summary of a draft working paper on ‘Simultaneous Elections – Constitutional and Legal Perspectives’ for public comments.[12] The paper examined legal and constitutional questions related to simultaneous elections. Some of the recommendations of the Commission included:
The Law Commission of India (Chair: Dr. Justice B.S. Chauhan) submitted a report on ‘BCCI vis-à-vis the Right to Information Act’, examining whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005.[13] The report follows the Supreme directive in July 2016 where the Court noted that the BCCI discharges public functions and asked the Commission to examine whether the BCCI would fall within the ambit of the Act. The Commission concluded that BCCI exercised ‘state-like’ powers and that the Act should apply to it.
For a PRS Report Summary, see here.
The Law Commission of India (Chair: Dr. Justice B.S. Chauhan) submitted a report on the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.[14] Contempt refers to the offence of showing disrespect to the dignity or authority of a court. The Act divides contempt into civil and criminal contempt. Civil contempt refers to the wilful disobedience of an order of any court. Criminal contempt includes any act or publication which: (i) ‘scandalises’ the court, (ii) prejudices any judicial proceeding, or (iii) interferes with the administration of justice. ‘Scandalising the Court’ refers to statements or publications which have the effect of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
The report examined whether the definition of contempt in the Act should be restricted to civil contempt, i.e., wilful disobedience of judgments of court. The Commission concluded that there was no requirement to amend the Act, for the reasons stated below:
For a PRS Report Summary, see here.
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Labour and Employment released the draft Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2018.[15] The draft Code will apply to establishments employing ten or more workers. It consolidates 13 labour laws relating to safety, health and working conditions. These include the Factories Act, 1948, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Key provisions of the draft Code include:
Every employee is required to take care of his own health and safety, and of those affected by his conduct at the workplace.
Comments have been invited on the draft Code till May 31, 2018.15
Vatsal Khullar (vatsal@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Labour and Employment released the draft Code on Social Security, 2018.[16] Last year, the Ministry had sought comments on an earlier version of the draft Code. Social security refers to the protection given to workers to access health care and provide income security. The draft Code consolidates 17 laws related to social security, including: (i) the Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952, (ii) the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and (iii) the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008. Key features of the draft Code include:
The draft Code will not apply to certain entities and workers. These include establishments of the central and state governments, and Indian employees working in a foreign country with whom India has a social security agreement.
The central or state governments may formulate schemes for social security after consulting the National Council.
For more details on the draft Code released last year, see the PRS Monthly Policy Review for March 2017 here.
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Insolvency Law Committee (Chair: Mr. Injeti Srinivas) submitted its report examining issues arising from the implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The Code provides a time-bound 180-day process to resolve insolvency of companies and individuals. All decisions related to resolution or liquidation of an insolvent firm are to be taken by a committee of creditors (COC). Key recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Report Summary, please see here.
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Draft Bill, 2018.[17] The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 aims to provide for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens. It also aims to ensure their basic needs, safety and security, and the rights guaranteed and recognised under the Constitution. Key amendments outlined in the Bill include:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released a revised Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens.[18] The objectives of the Programme includes improving the quality of life of the senior citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, and entertainment opportunities. The Programme was last revised in 2016 with respect to the terms and conditions of the schemes covered under the Programme. These terms and conditions are related to expenditure and human resources required under the various schemes, and the procedure to be followed for submission of proposals and release of grants. Assistance under the Programme is given to the implementing agencies such as state governments, local bodies, and non-governmental/voluntary organisations.
There are six thematic areas that the schemes aim to cover. Some of the schemes covered under the Programme include: (i) Maintenance of Continuous Care Homes and Homes for senior citizens afflicted with Alzheimer's disease/ Dementia, (ii) Maintenance of Mobile Medicare Units, and (iii) Physiotherapy Clinics.
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Human Resource Development constituted a High Powered Committee to examine Class 10 and Class 12 examinations (conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education) with a view to prevent leakages.[19]
The Committee will consist of seven members and is due to submit its report on or before May 31, 2018.
The terms of reference of the Committee include: (i) revisiting all aspects related to the security checks for ensuring that the question papers reach the students without tampering, (ii) examining and assessing all areas of potential weakness in the present system of transporting question papers from the printing presses to the students, and (iii) suggesting ways in which the system can be made more secure with the use of technology and minimisation of human intervention in the process.
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The government has withdrawn the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958, from the jurisdiction of three police stations.[20] These police stations are: (i) Kimin police station in Papumpare district, (ii) Likabali police station in West Siang district, and (iii) Ruksin police station in East Siang district. Following the withdrawal, the AFSPA, 1958 will apply to three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and the jurisdiction falling within eight police stations in the state.
Press reports indicate that the application of this Act has been withdrawn from Meghalaya.[21]
The Standing Committee Home Affairs (Chair: Mr. P. Chidambaram) submitted its report on the impact of the cyclone Ockhi and the damage caused by it.[22] Key recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Report Summary, please see here.
The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the increase in salary and allowances of Lieutenant Governors (LGs) of Union Territories.[23] The revision will bring the salaries and allowances of LGs at par with that of the Secretary to the Government of India. The revision in salaries and allowances are as follows.
Table 1: Change in salary and allowance with effect from January 1, 2016 (Rs/month)
Head |
Present |
Revised |
Salary |
80,000 |
2,25,000 |
Sumptuary Allowance (daily expenses) |
4,000 |
4,000 |
Sources: Press Information Bureau; PRS.
Additionally, local allowances will be payable at the same rate as applicable to the officers of the rank of Secretary to the Government. The revision is subject to the condition that the total emoluments of LGs (excluding sumptuary and local allowances) are not more than the total emoluments of the Governor of a state.
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Defence released the draft Defence Production Policy 2018.[24] The Policy will replace the existing Defence Production Policy 2011.[25] Key features of the policy include:
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.[26] The Rules amend the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.[27] Key features of the amended Rules include:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018.[28] It seeks to amend the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011. Salient features of the draft 2018 notification include:
The Ministry is seeking comments on the draft notification till June 18, 2018.
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the restructured National Bamboo Mission under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture for the period 2018-19 and 2019-20.[29] Rs 1,290 crore has been allocated to the scheme for this period. Of this, Rs 950 crore will be the share of the central government. The scheme seeks to increase the area under bamboo cultivation in non-forest government and private land, and improve post-harvest management. Note that the National Bamboo Mission was initially launched in 2006-07 and continued till 2015-16.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) released its first long range (seasonal) forecast for southwest monsoon rainfall in 2018.[30] The monsoon seasonal rainfall is estimated to be 97% of the long period average (LPA), with an error of +/- 5%. Rainfall is considered to be normal if it ranges between 96-104% of the LPA. LPA is the average rainfall for the period from 1951 to 2000 in a region. In 2017, the Southwest Monsoon Rainfall was estimated to be 96% of the LPA and the actual rainfall was 95%.[31]
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Power released guidelines for a pilot scheme to facilitate procurement of 2,500 MW (Megawatts) power for medium term through a competitive bidding process.[32],[33] Power will be procured from generating companies with coal-based power plants which are commissioned and do not have Power Purchase Agreement.
Under the scheme, a single entity can be allotted maximum capacity of 600 MW. Further, it assures a minimum off-take of 55% of such contracted capacity.
The bidding process will be conducted by PFC Consulting Limited as the nodal agency and PTC India Limited as the aggregator. PTC India Limited would sign a three-year agreement (medium-term) to facilitate procurement of power from successful bidders and to supply power to discoms.
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion notified Industrial Development Schemes for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.[34] Under the schemes, certain incentives will be provided to eligible industrial units in respective states.
Industrial units undertaking substantial expansion in the manufacturing and services sectors are eligible under the schemes. Incentives provided under the schemes are:
In case of Jammu and Kashmir, the scheme will be effective from June 15, 2017 to March 31, 2022. In case of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it will be effective from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2022.
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
A Special Task Force (Chair: Vice President, Delhi Development Authority) has been set up to oversee the enforcement of the Master Plan for Delhi 2021.[35] Objectives of the Special Task Force include: (i) identifying encroachments and reclaim government land in Delhi, (ii) oversee enforcement of applicable laws by local bodies, (iii) monitoring action taken by local bodies regarding violations of use and unauthorised construction, and (iv) identifying areas of traffic congestion in Delhi and suggesting measures to local bodies and other agencies.
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The central government constituted a 13-member Task Force (Chair: Mr Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation) to facilitate fast tracking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.[36] The Task Force will develop a roadmap with implementable recommendations for the central government, state governments, and research institutions.
The terms of reference of the Task Force include: (i) focusing on areas of research and development, acquisition and commercialisation in specific sectors, and giving preference to Make in India, and (ii) developing a roadmap for implementation of UAV technology which will include outcomes, timelines, and review mechanisms along with measurable metrics.
The Task Force will include representatives from the government, Public Sector Undertakings, and various sectoral experts. It will submit its report within six months of its constitution.
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the closure of Burn Standard Company Limited (BSCL), a central public sector enterprise.[37] This decision was taken due to: (i) the poor physical and financial performance of BSCL for over 10 years, and (ii) low probability of its revival in the future. This measure aims to save public funds, which are currently being used for operating BSCL, and use them for other developmental work.
The government will provide a one-time grant of Rs 417 crore for clearing the current liabilities of the company. In addition, an outstanding loan of Rs 35 crore given to the company by the Ministry of Railways will be written off.
Sanat Kanwar (sanat@prsindia.org)
The Prime Minister of Nepal visited India. Key agreements are mentioned below:[38],[39]
The Prime Minister visited United Kingdom (UK) for a bilateral visit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.[40] India and UK signed 10 agreements in areas including: (i) rejuvenation of Ganga, (ii) skill development, vocational education and training (strengthening skill delivery in sectors where UK has technical and skilling expertise), (iii) safe nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes, and (iv) international criminality (mechanism for exchange of information in the context of such criminality).
[1] Parliament Session Wrap, April 6, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/administrator/uploads/general/1522999861~~Session%20wrap%20Budget%20Session%202018.pdf.
[2] “Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the month of March 2018”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, April 12, 2018.
[3] “Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India (Base: 2011-12=100) Review for the month of March 2018”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, April 16, 2018.
[4] First Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2018-19, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, April 5, 2018, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR264182788D8EA22F487DBEEBDD23BA2F5647.PDF.
[5] The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Ordinances/The%20Fugitive%20Economic%20Offenders%20Ordinance%202018.pdf.
[6] The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Fugitive%20Economic%20Offenders/Fugitive%20Economic%20Offenders%20Bill,%202018.pdf.
[7] Report of Expert Committee on Integration of Commodity Spot and Derivatives Markets, Ministry of Finance, April 12, 2018, https://dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/ReportCommodityDerivativeMarkets042018_0.pdf.
[8] The Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitating) Act, 2017, http://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/APLM_ACT_2017_1.pdf.
[9] Prohibition on dealing in Virtual Currencies (VCs), Notification, Reserve Bank of India, April 6, 2018, https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=11243&Mode=0.
[10] The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Ordinances/The%20Criminal%20Law%20Amendment%20Ordinance%202018.pdf.
[11] “Cabinet approves the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Law and Justice, April 4, 2018.
[12] “Simultaneous Elections – Constitutional and Legal Perspectives”, Public Notice, Law Commission of India, April, 2018, http://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/SE-Summary.pdf.
[13] Report No. 275: Legal Framework: BCCI vis-à-vis the Right to Information Act, Law Commission of India, April, 2018, http://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/reports/Report275.pdf.
[14] Report No. 274: Review of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, Law Commission of India, April, 2018, http://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/reports/Report274.pdf.
[15] The Draft Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2018, March 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media//draft/Draft%20Labour%20Code%20on%20Occupational%20Safety,%20Health%20and%20Working%20Conditions,%202018.pdf.
[16] The Draft Labour Code on Social Security, 2018, March 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media//draft/Draft%20Labour%20Code%20on%20Social%20Security,%202018.pdf.
[17] Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Draft Bill, 2018, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, http://socialjustice.nic.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/MWPSC%20Act,%202018l636580082691025377.pdf.
[18] “A Central Sector Scheme to improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens (Revised as on 01.04.2018)”, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, April 1, 2018, http://socialjustice.nic.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/IPSrC%20English%20version.pdf.
[19] “HRD Ministry constitutes a High Powered Committee to examine the system of conducting Class X and Class XII examination to prevent leakages”, Ministry of Human Resource Development, April 4, 2018, Press Information Bureau.
[20] S.O. 1431(E), Gazette of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, April 1, 2018, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2018/184384.pdf.
[21] “AFSPA revoked from Meghalaya, eight police stations in Arunachal Pradesh”, Indian Express, April 24, 2018, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/afspa-removed-from-meghalaya-eight-police-stations-in-arunachal-pradesh-5148386/.
[22] “211st Report: The Cyclone Ockhi – Its Impact on Fishermen and the damage caused by it”, Standing Committee on Home Affairs, April 4, 2018, http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Home%20Affairs/211.pdf.
[23] “Cabinet approves revision of pay and allowance of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, April 11, 2018.
[24] Draft Defence Production Policy 2018-Invite for Comments, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, http://ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/Draft%20Defence%20Production%20Policy%202018%20-%20for%20website.pdf.
[25] Defence Production Policy 2011, January 1, 2011, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/DPP-POL.pdf.
[26] Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, http://164.100.117.97/WriteReadData/userfiles/PWMnotification%201%20001.pdf.
[27] Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, http://www.moef.gov.in/sites/default/files/PWM%20Rules%2C%202016.pdf.
[28] Draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, http://envfor.nic.in/sites/default/files/press-releases/DRAFT%20CRZ%20NOTIFICATION%2020181.pdf.
[29] “Cabinet approves restructure National Bamboo Mission”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, April 25, 2018.
[30] “Long Range Forecast For 2018 Southwest Monsoon Seasonal (June-September) Rainfall”, Press Release, Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, April 16, 2018.
[31] 2017 Southwest Monsoon End of Season Report, Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, October 11, 2017.
[32] No. 23/17/2013-R&R(Vol-IV), Resolution, Ministry of Power, The Gazette of India, April 10, 2018, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2018/184693.pdf.
[33] “Govt. launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW for three years”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Power, April 30, 2018.
[34] Notification, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, April 23, 2018, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2018/184916.pdf.
[35] Constitution of Special Task Force, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, April 25, 2018, http://mohua.gov.in/pdf/5ae2df76544fdConstitution%20of%20STF1.pdf.
[36] “Shri Jayant Sinha to head a 13 member Task Force for fast-tracking Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Civil Aviation, April 12, 2018.
[37] “Cabinet approves closure of loss making Burn Standard Company Limited - a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)”, Press Information Bureau, April 4, 2018.
[38] India-Nepal Statement on New Partnership in Agriculture, Ministry of External Affairs, April 7, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?29797/IndiaNepal+Statement+on+New+Partnership+in+Agriculture.
[39] India-Nepal Statement on Expanding Rail Linkages: Connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal, Ministry of External Affairs, April 7, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?29795/IndiaNepal+Statement+on+Expanding+Rail+Linkages+Connecting+Raxaul+in+India+to+Kathmandu+in+Nepal.
[40] India-UK List of MOUs/Agreements/Initiatives during the visit of Prime Minister to London, UK (April 18, 2018), Ministry of External Affairs, April 18, 2018.
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