Macro-economic Framework Statement
Why in news?
- Macro-economic Framework Statement (MFS) 2020-21 predicts rebound in GDP growth from first quarter of 2020-21.
Key facts:
- The Macro-economic Framework Statement (MFS) 2020-21 describes the return path of fiscal consolidation without compromising the needs of investment out of public funds.
- The government has revised the fiscal roadmap in the near term and limited the fiscal deficit to 3.8% of the GDP in RE 2019-20 and 3.5% in 2020-21.
- The consumer price inflation has remained within the targeted limits set by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI and the government is expected to return to the glide path of fiscal consolidation in the medium term.
- The Finance Minister proposed a 21% increase in capital expenditure for the FY 2020-21. Level of expenditure has been kept at Rs. 30.42 lakh crores in BE 2020-21, as compared to Rs. 26.98 lakh crores in RE 2019-20.
- To improve the physical quality of life, the Government has also announced the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) of projects worth Rs. 102 lakh crores, which would commence in phases from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
- Global economic growth is expected to pick up in 2020 which could also support India’s growth. In view of a positive outlook on economic rebound, the MFS predicts the nominal growth of the economy at 10% in FY 2020-21.
Swachh Sarvekshan Grameen award
Why in news?
- The Union Minister of Jal Shakti conferred the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2019 awards to top ranked states, union territories, and districts in the various categories on the occasion of World Toilet Day. Tamil Nadu has been ranked first among the states.
Key facts:
- The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) had commissioned “Swachh Survekshan Grameen-2019” (SSG 2019) through an independent survey agency to develop ranking of all districts of India on the basis of sanitation parameters.
- This ranking was done based on parameters including surveys of public places like schools, Anganwadis, PHCs, Haat/ Bazaars, Panchayat and citizen’s perception of Swachhata and their recommendations for improvement of the program and data from the SBM-G IMIS.
The top ranked States and Districts which received awards are:
- Top 3 States – 1) Tamil Nadu, 2) Haryana, 3) Gujarat
- Top 3 Districts – 1) Peddapalli, Telangana, 2) Faridabad, Haryana, 3) Rewari, Haryana
- State with maximum citizen participation – 1) Uttar Pradesh
Following are the key findings of the SSG survey:
- 5% of people surveyed were aware of SSG 2019;
- 3% of respondents credited SBM-G for the substantial improvement in cleanliness level;
- 83% of respondents reported sufficient arrangements in their village to manage liquid waste and
- 1% citizens reported sufficient arrangements in their village to manage solid waste.
National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa
Why in news?
- The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Institute for Sowa-Rigpa in Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh.
Key facts:
- The setting up of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa would provide an impetus for the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in the Indian Sub-continent. The Institute will also provide opportunities for students of Sowa-Rigpa not only in India but also from other countries.
- The Institute will be an autonomous National Institute under Ministry of AYUSH with the mandate to undertake interdisciplinary education and research programmes in Sowa-Rigpa in collaboration with premier national and international Institutes.
- After setting up of NISR, the synergy among the existing Sowa Rigpa Institutions – Central University of Tibetan Studies at Sarnath, Varanasi and Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh – which are under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture and NISR will be established.
Cabinet approves extension of pharmaceuticals purchase policy
Why in news?
- The Union Cabinet has approved the extension/renewal of Pharmaceuticals Purchase Policy (PPP) with the same terms and conditions while adding one additional product namely, Alcoholic Hand Disinfectant (AHD) to the existing list of 103 medicines till the final closure/strategic disinvestment of the pharmaceutical PSUs.
Key highlights:
- Pharmaceuticals Purchase Policy (PPP) was approved by the Cabinet in 2013 for a period of five years in respect of 103 medicines manufactured by pharma CPSUs and their subsidiaries.
- The policy is applicable to purchases by Central/ State Government departments and their Public Sector Undertakings etc.
- The pricing of the products is done by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
- The procuring entity can purchase from Pharma CPSUs and their subsidiaries subject to their meeting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) norms as per Schedule ‘M’ of the Drugs & Cosmetic Rules.