Union Cabinet Decisions: Key Highlights

Context in Current Affairs: The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi recently approved on several decisions.

India-Luxembourg

The cabinet approved on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Luxembourg. The agreement was signed between SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) of Luxembourg. The MoU will help the SEBI to enhance its supervisory functions and enable effective enforcement of laws.

India-Suriname

The Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ministry of Health and the Republic of Suriname in the cooperation in the field of Health and medicine. The salient features of the agreement are as follows

• Exchange of training officials and health professionals
• Assistance in development of human resources
• Regulation of pharmaceuticals
• Promotion of business development
• Tobacco control
• Tele-medicine
• Mental Health promotion
• Generic and Essential Drug Procurement
• Regulation of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

The Cabinet approved the setting up of Public Wi-Fi networks by the Public Data Office Aggregators. This is to provide public Wi-fi services through Public Data Offices. No license fee is charged to provide broadband internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.

Optic Fibre Connectivity between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands

The Cabinet has provided approval for the provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Kochi located in the Indian mainland and the Lakshadweep islands. The estimated cost of implementation of the project is Rs 1072 crores.

Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme

The cabinet approved the scheme to provide mobile coverage in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. This is being done under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North East Region.

Atma Nirbhar Bharat Rojgar yojana

The cabinet also approved the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Rojagar Yojana to boost the employment opportunities in formal sectors. Around 22,810 crores of rupees has been allocated for the scheme. The scheme is to be implemented between 202-23.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020