CHHATTISGARH
C’garh govt mulls resolution in assembly against delayed GST payment
The government in Chhattisgarh is mulling moving a resolution in the assembly against the central government over delayed payment of GST dues to the state.
So far, five opposition ruled states — Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala, West Bengal and Delhi — have waved the red flag over pending GST compensation by the Centre and accused the Centre of triggering a financial crisis for them.
The Chhattisgarh government’s move, though symbolic, may embarrass the Centre if such a motion is passed. Though Baghel said it would be his government’s “last resort”, he did not rule out the move, arguing that a manufacturing state which was providing for other states was being denied the compensation it was promised.
The total demand for GST compensation to Chhattisgarh in 2019-20 is Rs 3,500 crore, of which the Centre has released Rs 1,738 crore. For August-September, the state raised a demand of Rs 883 crore, which has still not been released. The pending compensation to West Bengal is Rs 1,500 crore, Kerala Rs 1,600 crore, Punjab Rs 2,000 crore and Delhi Rs 2,355 crore.
INTERNATIONAL
● India provided USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh
India provided a $500 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Bangladesh on 5 December.
The funding is for defenCe-related procurement in Bangladesh.
RBI said that under the soft loan facility, financing of export of eligible goods and services from India would be allowed subject to the Foreign Trade Policy.
Under the agreement, out of the total credit by Exim Bank, the goods and services of the value of at least 75% of the contract price shall be supplied by the seller from India. The rest 25% of goods and services can be procured by the seller for the purpose of the eligible contract from outside India, including Bangladesh.
But the eligible goods and services supplied by the seller from India can be reduced from 75% to 65% based on the nature of the procurement and further reduction may be considered on a case-to-case basis.
● International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on 9 December
- International Anti-Corruption Dayis observed on 9 December. The day aims to raise awareness about corruption and the measures that can be taken to combat corruption.
The theme for the year 2019 is United Against Corruption. The theme was set by the UN to support the 2030 Agenda. UN conducts the #UnitedAgainstCorruption.
#UnitedAgainstCorruption: The campaign focuses on corruption as it is one of the biggest obstacles to achieve the SDG.
● Zozibini Tunzi was crowned as the 2019 Miss Universe
South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi was crowned as the Miss Universe 2019. Zozibini and Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson were the top two contestants for the 2019 Miss Universe title. Miss Universe Mexico Sofia Aragon won third place. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray crowned Zozibini Tunzi, the winner of the title.
NATIONAL
● Cabinet approved the creation of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved for the creation of the Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Under the approval, Bharat Bond will create an additional source of funding for Central Public Financial Institutions (CPFIs), Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), and other government organizations. The announcement was made by the Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman.
The move aimed to deepen the corporate bond market and reduce the cost of borrowing in India.
- Aberdeen in Andaman and Nicobar Islands adjudged best police station in Country
Aberdeen Police station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranks first in the list of the best-performing police stations in the country while dealing with a property offence, a crime against women and weaker sections.
Home Ministry released the list of ten best-performing Police stations in the country.
Balasinor police station in Gujarat secured the second rank while and Ajk Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh got the 3rd position.
The ranking of top ten Police Stations out of over 15 thousand 500 Police Stations in the country was done through data analysis, direct observation and public feedback.
● Ministry of Tourism identified 17 sites in 12 clusters in the country for development as Iconic Tourist Sites
The union government identified some world-class iconic tourist stations in India to attract foreign and domestic tourists.
The Budget Announcements of 2018-19, Ministry of Tourism identified 17 sites in 12 clusters in the country for development as Iconic Tourist Sites
The iconic sites are Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort & Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath & Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).