14 March 2020: PIB Summary & Analysis

March 14th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Road Accidents
2. New Website of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
3. Universal healthcare system for India
4. Changes in GST rates on supply of goods and services

1. Road Accidents

Context: 

• Prime Minister mourns the death of people in an accident in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

To read more on road accidents, refer 13 March 2020 Comprehensive News Analysis. 

2. New Website of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Context: 

• The Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy launched the new website of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Larger Background: 

• The new website is developed looking into the present need for quick and accurate information dissemination needs of the Ministry with the latest techniques to make it more informative, interactive and user-friendly including persons with visual disabilities. 
• The responsive design of the website enables ease of access from various devices including mobile phones.
• The Ministry’s activities including innovative bids, solar rooftop, and PM-KUSUM scheme were attracting large public interest which necessitated the need for a new website.
• The website has additional portals such as ‘Akshay Urja Portal’ and ‘India Renewable Idea Exchange’ (IRIX).
•  The NIC server is hosting the website.

What is the KUSUM Scheme?

• The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to support the installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce dependence on the grid, in grid-connected areas.
• The objective of the Scheme is to increase farmers’ income, provide a reliable source for irrigation and de-dieselize the farm sector. 

3. Universal healthcare system for India

Context: 

• Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah presided over the convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh. In his speech at the ceremony, he hailed Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the world’s largest health-related welfare scheme

To read more on Ayushman Bharat Programme, please click here.

4. Changes in GST rates on supply of goods and services

Context: 

• Recommendations of the GST council related to changes in GST rates on the supply of goods and services.

Fitment Committee

• It consists of the nominated officials of the Tax Research Unit in Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and officials of the commercial taxes department from some states.
• It is tasked with evolving a principle and a subsequent methodology to determine rates for various supplies under GST

Details: 

• The recommendation of the Fitment Committee for calibrating the GST rate structure to correct the inverted duty structure on various items like Mobile phones, Footwear, Textiles, and Fertilizers was placed before the GST Council for discussion.
• The Council had a detailed discussion on the matter. Upon discussion the Council made the following recommendations:
  • To raise the GST rate on Mobile Phones and specified parts presently attracting 12 percent to 18 percent.
  • GST rate on all types of matches (Handmade and other than Handmade) has been rationalized to 12% (from 5% on Handmade matches and 18% on other matches).
  • To reduce GST rate on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services in respect of aircraft from 18% to 5% with full ITC and to change the place of supply for B2B MRO services to the location of recipient.
    • This change is likely to assist in setting up of MRO services in India. Domestic MRO will also get protection due to the 5% tax paid under section 3(7) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.

March 14th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

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