National
Government launches Vivad se Vishwas scheme for relief to MSMEs for COVID-19 period
⇒ The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19 period.
- The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman.
- The last date for submitting claims under the scheme was June 30, 2023.
Under the scheme, Ministries have been asked to refund performance security, bid security and liquidated damages forfeited/ deducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain relief has also been provided to MSMEs debarred for default in execution of contracts during the COVID-19 period.
The Ministry of Finance, through this scheme, decided to give following additional benefits to eligible MSMEs, affected during the COVID-19 period:
- 95% of the performance security forfeited shall be refunded.
- 95% of the Bid security shall be refunded.
- 95% of the Liquidated Damages (LD) deducted shall be refunded.
- 95% of the Risk Purchase amount realized shall be refunded.
- In case any firm has been debarred only due to default in execution of such contracts, such debarment shall also be revoked, by issuing an appropriate order by the procuring entity.
- However, in case a firm has been ignored for placement of any contract due to debarment in the interim period (i.e. date of debarment and the date of revocation under this order), no claim shall be entertained.
- No interest shall be paid on such refunded amount.
Design Validation Trial of Vertical Shaft based Underground Ammunition Storage Structure
⇒ Centre of Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), a Delhi-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has designed and developed a Vertical Shaft based Underground Ammunition Storage Facility.
- It enables upward vertical dissipation of blast effects considerably reducing the blast effect on surrounding utilities.
» The Design Validation Trial of this Underground Ammunition Storage Structure was successfully conducted on April 30, 2023.
Other Points:
- The instrumented blast trial was carried out in presence of the Armed Forces by detonating 5,000 kgs of TNT in one of the chambers of the underground facility.
- The CFEES team conducted the trial with precision and utmost safety in place. All the parameters recorded during the trial matched with estimated values.
- This facility will ensure that an explosion within will not cause damage to the adjacent chamber and also ensuring full operability of the remaining facility.
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Southern Air Command
⇒ Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Southern Air Command on 01 May 23.
About Balakrishnan Manikantan:
- An alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam and National Defence Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 07 June 1986.
- The Air Marshal is a recipient of the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM).
International
Raksha Mantri hands over a Fast Patrol Vessel & a Landing Craft Assault ship to Maldives
⇒ Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) on May 02, 2023.
- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was on a 3-day visit to the Maldives. President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi were present on the occasion.
The Fast Patrol Vessel, capable of coastal and offshore surveillance at high speeds, was commissioned as MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023
⇒ Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, held from 01st to 04th May 2023 in Dubai, UAE.
» The Arabian Travel Market is one of the leading global events for the travel and tourism industry, attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
Theme:
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 was held on the theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’.
» Held in collaboration with the emirate’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and in its 30th edition, the show hosted over 2,000 exhibitors, representatives from more than 150 countries and an anticipated 34,000 attendees.
» India’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2023 was a significant step towards promoting India as a preferred travel destination among the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets.
Key Points:
- The Ministry of Tourism, showcased “Incredible India” and launched Visit India Year 2023 campaign at the event, highlighting India’s diverse tourism offerings and the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
- The India Pavilion showcased India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuaries and spiritual destinations.
- The event also provided an opportunity for the Ministry to strengthen ties with the Middle East and North Africa tourism industry, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and media representatives.
Next ATM:
- Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 will be held on 6 – 9 May 2024. The main theme for 2024 will be ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’.
Important Day
60th Foundation Day of IIFT
⇒ Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on its 60th Foundation Day on 02 May 2023.
About IIFT:
- Since its establishment in 1963, IIFT has proactively seized all available opportunities to emerge as an acknowledged centre of excellence in international trade and business. It works as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- During this period, it has diversified its role from being a think tank institution to a key repository of knowledge in international trade, apart from being the premier business school in the country. The IIFT has grown at a phenomenal rate in the first two decades of the new millennium.