Sacked AAP minister Mishra alleges scam over shortage of meds

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) Levelling a fresh set of charges, sacked AAP minister Kapil Mishra today alleged a "scam" over the shortage of medicines in government hospitals.

Mishra claimed the powers of Delhi government-run hospitals to buy medicines were put to an end by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the behest of Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

"A Central Procurement Agency (CPA) was formed and an order was passed saying all medicines should be procured through this agency," Mishra said.

The suspended AAP leader's allegations come two days after Kejriwal made a surprise visit to a government-run hospital and found there was a shortage of medicines.

After his visit, Kejriwal had said he would ensure free medicines and treatment to all those who visited hospitals run by the Delhi government.

"Satyendar Jain has himself admitted that Rs 300 crore have been allocated to procure medicines. The Delhi government boasts of having the highest budget earmarked for the health sector. In such a scenario how come there is a shortage of medicines? This is a scam," Mishra said.

He, however, could not produce any evidence to back his claim. The party refused to comment on the allegations.

In response to Mishra's claims, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari has written a letter to Lt Governor Anil Baijal demanding an enquiry, saying the files of purchases in which alleged irregularities existed need to be sealed.

"In last few days allegations of irregularities against health minister Satyendar Jain were being heard. There are allegations of widespread irregularities in purchases of medicines, ambulances and equipment necessitating investigation into these cases," Tiwari said.

President of India receives books ‘Mann Ki Baat: a social revolution on radio’ and ‘marching with a billion - analysing Narendra Modi’s government at Mid Term’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copies of books ‘Mann Ki Baat: A Social Revolution on Radio’ and ‘Marching with a Billion- Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Midterm’ from Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker Lok Sabha who formally released these books at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan today in the presence of Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance and Defence and other dignitaries. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said effective communication is important for any leader. Without having the capacity to communicate, a leader may not be able to inspire people to follow his ideas and approach. He said that undoubtedly, in the contemporary period Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is one of the most effective communicators of the times. In independent India, Prime Minister Pt. Nehru effectively propagated the values in our Constitution including secularism. Smt. Indira Gandhi mobilized public in favour of the Liberation war of Bangladesh effectively. Various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have resulted in the Indian economy moving forward in a steadfast manner. 

The President congratulated and expressed gratitude to the publishers for bringing out the two books. He said the books cover important issues of topical concern and should have a wide readership because of their inherent merit. 

Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Speaker Lok Sabha, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan and Union Minister for Finance and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley also addressed the gathering and gave an account of how the books capture key aspects of the personality of Shri Narendra Modi and achievements of the Government. 

The book ‘Mann Ki Baat: A Social Revolution on Radio’ is a compilation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s addresses to the nation on radio every month under the programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. It contains a comprehensive, qualitative and academic analysis of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ – the themes, the choice of topics, the salient features. It illustrates how ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has connected with the ‘New India’ – the youth in particular. It also presents a coherent narrative about the manner in which ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has created mass movements, be it in cleanliness, in promoting India’s tourism potential, safer roads, drugs free India etc. The book has been compiled by Shri Rajesh Jain. 

The book ‘Marching with a Billion- Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Midterm’ analyses the monumental changes that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has brought on multiple fronts as Prime Minister on India’s governance landscape by ushering in an unprecedented culture of transparency to create a level playing field so necessary in a developing country. It is authored by Shri Uday Mahurkar. 

The books have been brought out by ‘BlueKraft Digital Foundation’ and ‘LexisNexis’. 

Chandrababu meets Amit Shah, prez poll figures in talks

Amaravati, May 25 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah today met TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu amid reports of souring ties between their parties, with the two breaking bread together and dedicating to people ambulances equipped with modern life support systems.

Apart from discussing the political scenario in the country at a luncheon meeting, the two leaders exchanged their views on the upcoming presidential election.

"There was a general discussion on the political scenario in AP and also about the forthcoming presidential election," a TDP leader, who attended the lunch hosted by the chief minister said.

Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu, Suresh Prabhu, Y S Chowdary, state TDP president K Kala Venkata Rao, state ministers Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Kamineni Srinivas, Nara Lokesh and state BJP president Kambhampati Hari Babu were also present.

Shah was on a day-long visit to Vijayawada to address the party's polling booth-level workers, as part of his nationwide outreach exercise.

The meeting came in the wake of the BJP's Telangana unit severing its ties with the TDP and acrimony between the second-rung leaders of the two parties in Andhra Pradesh.

The two sides have sparred over a host of issues, particularly on the demand for special category status to the state and financial aid by the Centre.

A fresh round of squabble between the two parties began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted audience to YSR Congress president and state opposition leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy early this month. Reddy has said his party would back the NDA's presidential nominee.

The second-rung leaders of these parties have engaged in a slanging match in the last few days.

Chandrababu was said to be livid over his partymen openly criticising the BJP.

Earlier in the day, Chandrababu and Shah flew down from Hyderabad together and dedicated to people 13 advanced life support ambulances at Vijayawada airport.

The ambulances were purchased at a cost of Rs 4.16 crore from the MPLADS funds of Suresh Prabhu, who is a member of Rajya Sabha from the state.

These would cater to the people of 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh and help patients in far flung areas, Prabhu said.

He said he had plans to set up hightech trauma centres along highways from MPLADS funds.

I-T summons Lalu's daughter and husband in benami land case

New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) The Income Tax Department has issued summonses to RJD chief Lalu Prasad's MP daughter Misa Bharti and her husband in connection with its probe in Rs 1,000 crore alleged benami land deals and a tax evasion case.

The development followed the arrest of chartered acountant Rajesh Kumar Agrawal by the Enforcement Directorate on May 22. Agrawal is alleged to have aided in llegal transactions involving Lalu's kin.

Officials said the department has asked Bharti, a Rajya Sabha member, and her husband Shailesh Kumar to appear before the investigating officer (IO) here in the first week of June.

The department had on May 16 searched multiple premises of about two dozen entities connected to this case and seized documents and computer hardware.

They said the summonses to Bharti and Kumar are part of the investigation and their statements will be recorded.

The couple are alleged to have links with a firm-- Ms Mishail Packers and Printers Private Limited-- which is suspected to have entered into benami deals for purchase of a farm house in Delhi's Bijwasan area.

Certain other property deals are also under the scanner of the taxman, they said.

I-T department officials had said they will apply provisions of the newly enacted Benami Transactions Act, 1988, which became operational from November 1 last year, in this case. The law provides for a maximum punishment of seven years in jail and a fine.

The action under this new law will be over and above the legal proceedings under the Income Tax Act, 1961, which relates to charges of domestic tax evasion.

Tax department officials had said Lalu's kin held some of the properties under their scanner in a 'benami' way. Benami properties are those in which the real beneficiary is not the one in whose name the property has been purchased.

The RJD chief, however, sought to put up a brave face after the raids, saying he was "not scared at all" and will continue to fight against "fascist forces".

"BJP mein himmat nahi hai ki Lalu ki awaz ko daba sake...

Lalu ki awaz dabayenge to desh bhar me karoron Lalu khare ho jayenge... Main gidarbhabhki se nahi darne wala hoon (BJP does not have the courage to stifle my voice... If it tries to silence one Lalu, crores of Lalu will come forward. I am not scared of empty threats)," he had said in a series of tweets after the search operation.

The BJP had also accused Prasad, Bharti and his two sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, both Bihar government ministers, of being involved in corrupt land deals worth over Rs 1,000 crore, and asked the central government to probe one such transaction in Delhi.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had alleged that these transactions were a case of "quid pro quo", suggesting that money was paid in return for favour, as they dated back to the period when Lalu was the railway minister, and dared Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against him.

Lalu's RJD is a constituent of Bihar's ruling coalition led by Kumar.

Lalu's official residence was the address of the owners of the firms allegedly floated by his family members, Ravi Shankar Prasad had said.

UK terror attack:Prez for intensifying fight against terrorism

New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) The recurring terror attacks across the globe are a grim reminder of the need to intensify the global fight against terrorism, President Pranab Mukherjee said today.

In a letter to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Mukherjee conveyed his condolences on the lives lost in Monday's terror attack in Manchester.

"We are deeply shocked by the terror attack in Manchester. India condemns this heinous attack in strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of the United Kingdom in this difficult hour," he said.

The president said this is not an attack just against the UK and its people but it is against humanity and "the values that we all live for".

"These repeated terror attacks are a grim reminder, yet again, of the need for us to intensify the global fight against terrorism. India is fully committed to working with the UK and the international community in defeating these evil forces," Mukherjee said.

He said: "The people of India join me in conveying our sincere condolences for those whom we have lost. Our prayers are also with the injured. I wish them a speedy recovery".

22-year-old Libyan-origin Salman Abedi was identified as the perpetrator behind the attack at a concert of American pop star Ariana Grande. A total of 22 people lost their lives in the attack that left children and youngsters wounded.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombing and warned of more such attacks.

Cabinet approves policy for providing preference to 'Make in India' in Government procurements

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a policy for providing preference to 'Make in India' in government procurements. The new policy will give a substantial boost to domestic manufacturing and service provision, thereby creating employment. It will also stimulate the flow of capital and technology into domestic manufacturing and services. It will also provide a further thrust towards manufacture of parts, components, sub-components etc. of these items, in line with the vision of 'Make in India'. 

The new policy is the reflection of the Government of India to encourage ‘Make in India’ and promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment. Procurement by the Government is substantial in amount and can contribute towards this policy objective. Local content can be increased through partnerships, cooperation with local companies, establishing production units in India or Joint Ventures (JV) with Indian suppliers, increasing the participation of local employees in services and by training them. 

Details:

The policy will be implemented through an Order pursuant to Rule 153(iii) of the General Financial Rules, 2017 to provide purchase preference (linked with local content) in Government procurements. Under the policy, preference in Government procurement will be given to local suppliers. Local suppliers are those whose goods or services meet prescribed minimum thresholds (ordinarily 50%) for local content. Local content is essentially domestic value addition. 

In procurement of goods for Rs. 50 lakhs and less, and where the Nodal Ministry determines that there is sufficient local capacity and local competition, only local suppliers will be eligible. 

For procurements valued at more than Rs. 50 lakhs (or where there is insufficient local capacity/ competition) if the lowest bid is not from a non-local supplier, the lowest-cost local supplier who is within a margin of 20% of the lowest bid, will be given the opportunity to match the lowest bid. If the procurement is of a type that the order can be divided and given to more than one supplier, the non-local supplier who is the lowest bidder will get half of the order and the local supplier will get the other half if it agrees to match the price of the lowest bid. If the procurement cannot be divided, then the lowest cost local supplier will be given the order if it agrees to match the lowest bid. 

Small purchases of less than Rs.5 lakhs are exempted. The order also covers autonomous bodies, government companies/ entities under the government’s control. 

The policy also requires that specifications in tenders must not be restrictive e.g. should not require proof of supply in other countries or proof of exports in respect of previous experience. They must not result in unreasonable exclusion of local suppliers who would otherwise be eligible, beyond what is essential for ensuring quality or creditworthiness of the supplier. 

The policy lays down a procedure for verification of local content relying primarily on self-certification. There will be penal consequences for false declarations. In some cases, verification by statutory / cost auditors etc. will be required. 

A Standing Committee in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion will oversee the implementation of this order and issues arising therefrom, and make recommendations to Nodal Ministries and procuring entities. 

The policy has been developed keeping in view the core principles of procurement including competitiveness and adhering to sound procurement practices and execution of orders. The policy would continue to maintain the balance between promoting 'Make in India' and ensuring timely, value-for-money products for the procuring entities. 

Punitive fire assaults on Pak posts, says Army; releases video

New Delhi/Islamabad, May 23(PTI) The Indian Army today said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting "some damage", days after two of its troopers were beheaded.

It also released a video of the military action which showed some structures in a forested area crumbling in a heap under the impact of repeated shelling.

Pakistan Army, however, dismissed as "false", its Indian counterpart's assertion of destroying its posts in the Naushera sector.

Though the Indian Army did not give much operational details of the retributive assault across the Line of Control (LoC) against Pakistan Army positions in Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir which were "aiding" infiltration, sources in the force said the strike was carried out on May 9, nine days after two Indian security personnel were beheaded.

"A recent action by our troops in the Naushera Sector has caused some damage to the Pak Army posts, which are supporting infiltrations. This is part of our overall strategy to counter terrorism," Additional Director General of Public Information Maj Gen A K Narula told reporters here.

The government supported the Army's action, with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley saying it was to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Government supports the actions of Indian Army across LoC. Such actions are needed to ensure peace in J&K," Jaitley tweeted.

"Indian Army is taking preemptive and measured actions to counter terrorism in valley and disengage Pak posts across LoC supporting infiltration," he said.

"Indian claims of destroying Pakistani post along LoC in Naushera Sector and firing by Pakistan Army on civilians across LoC are false," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet.

Sources in the Indian Army said the strike was a message to Pakistan that it will take stronger action with increased frequency against any infiltration attempts from across the border.

The 22-second video showed concrete structures being reduced to rubble amid plumes of smoke and balls of fire.

However, the area of the operation was not clearly identifiable in the clipping.

"As part of our counter-terrorism strategy and to ensure that infiltration is curbed and initiative remains with us, the Indian Army proactively dominates Line of Control.

"While doing so, locations aiding infiltration of terrorists are being targeted and destroyed to deny advantage to terrorists thus curbing infiltration attempts," said Maj Gen Narula. There was no official word on the casualty on the Pakistani side.

The Army sources said rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and automatic grenade launchers and recoilless guns were used in the strike.

He said as part of the Army's counter-terrorism operations, "punitive fire assaults" across line of control are being undertaken.

"Pak Army has been providing support to armed infiltrators by engaging our forward troops from their weapon emplacements and pill-boxes closer to the Line of Control. At times they have not even hesitated to target villages in the proximity of Line of Control," he said.

Maj Gen Narula said infiltrations are likely to increase with melting of snow and opening of passes, and referred to the recent incident in Naugam where four terrorists were neutralised on May 20-21.

"This calls for even more proactive counter-terrorism operations.

"We want peace and tranquillity in the state of J&K. For this purpose, it is essential that the infiltrations along Line of Control are controlled which is essential to bring down the numbers of terrorists in J&K so that youths of J&K are not adversely influenced by terrorists," he said.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) will lead to lower tax burden in several commodities including packaged cement, Medicaments, Smart phones, and medical devices, including surgical instruments

The roll out of Goods and Services (GST) Tax will bring benefits to the consumers due to reduced tax rates on various commodities such as packaged cement, medicaments, smart phones, and medical devices, etc.

 Packaged cement attracts central excise duty of 12.5% + Rs.125 PMT and standard VAT rate of 14.5%. At these rates, the present total tax incidence works out to more than 29%. If we include tax incidence on account of CST, octroi, entry tax, etc., the present total tax incidence would work out to more than 31%. As against this, the proposed GST rate for cement is 28%.

 There will be lesser tax burden in case of Medicaments, including Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathic or Bio-chemic systemsalso. Medicaments, in general, attract 6% central excise duty and 5% VAT. Further, CST, octroi, entry  tax, etc. are also applicable in general. At these rates, the present total tax incidence works out to more than 13%. As against this, the proposed GST rate on medicines, including ayurvedic medicines, is 12%.

             Smart phone attracts 2% central excise duty [1% excise duty + 1% NCCD]. VAT rates vary from State to State from 5% to 15%. Weighted average VAT rate on smart phones works out to about 12%. Thus, the present total tax incidence on smart phones works out to more than 13.5%. As against this, the proposed GST rate for smart phones is 12%.

 Similarly, medical devices, including surgical instruments, in general attract 6% central excise duty and 5% VAT. Along with CST, octroi, entry tax, etc., the present total tax incidence on them works out to more than 13%. As against this, the proposed rate under GST is 12%.

Puja samagri including havan samagri will be under the Nil category. However, exact formulation for the same is yet to be finalized.

Iran must stop supporting 'terrorists', Trump says in Israel

Tel Aviv, May 22 (PTI) US President Donald Trump today said that there is a "rare opportunity" to bring peace to the Middle East as he denounced Iran for supporting "terrorists" and vowed never to allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons.

"I have found new reasons for hope," said Trump upon arriving at the Ben-Gurion International Airport.

"There is a rare opportunity to bring security and peace to the region, but we can only get there by working together," said Trump who arrived here from Riyadh in what is believed to be the first direct flight between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Trump went on to say that he met with leaders from across the Arab world in Saudi Arabia and reached "historic agreements" in fight against terror.

"On my first trip overseas as President, I have come to this sacred and ancient land to reaffirm unbreakable bond between us and Israel," Trump said during a welcome ceremony at the airport.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump on what he called a "truly historic" visit, which he viewed as a "powerful expression of your friendship".

Trump left for Jerusalem immediately after the welcome ceremony for his meeting with Rivlin at the President's House amid heightened security with all the major roads in Jerusalem completely gridlocked.

At Rivlin's residence, Trump lashed out at Iran.

"The United States and Israel can declare with one voice that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon -- never ever -- and must cease its deadly funding, training and equipping of terrorists and militias," Trump said in remarks at Rivlin's residence.

"It must cease immediately," he said, referring to Iran's alleged involvement in arming and training militias.

During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Trump had accused Iran of fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror" in the region and called for its international isolation.

Earlier, Netanyahu applauded Trump's call for nations to do more to fight terrorism during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

"Israel shares the commitment to peace that you made yesterday. The peace we seek is genuine and durable, in which the Jewish state is recognised, security remains in Israel s hands, and the conflict ends once and for all," Netanyahu said while welcoming the US president at the airport.

"I hope this trip is a step on the path toward reconciliation and peace," he stressed.

The Israeli leader also noted that it was the first time that a US President has chosen to come to Israel during his first foreign trip after taking charge.

President Rivlin thanked Trump for his "commitment to Israel's ability to face the threats of today and of tomorrow".

The Israeli president emphasised that while the world, the Middle East, and Israel all need a strong United States, "the United States also needs a strong Israel".

"In the Middle East, an area that suffers from terrorism and madness, the alliance between the United States and Israel shines like a beacon of liberty and progress," Rivlin said.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu today and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas tomorrow.

He has called an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement "the ultimate deal", but has been vague about what form it should take.

At a summit in Riyadh yesterday, Trump called on Arab and Muslim leaders to take the lead in combating Islamist militants, urging them to "drive them out of this earth".

Pointing at Iran - Israel and Saudi Arabia's main foe in the region - the US President accused Tehran of fuelling the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.

Before meeting Netanyahu, Trump visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem where according to Christian tradition Jesus was buried and resurrected.

Trump is also expected to visit the Western Wall, located in the Old City of East Jerusalem, in a private capacity in what would be the first such visit to Judaism's holiest site by a sitting US President.

The US President has been widely seen as considerably more supportive of Israel than his predecessor Barack Obama.

He has taken a softer position on the contentious issue of Israeli settlements, suggesting that their expansion rather than their presence might hamper the search for peace.

During his election campaign, Trump had expressed views that seemed to fit neatly with those of the right-wing Israeli government of Netanyahu favouring expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and a tough line towards Palestinian aspirations for independence.

However, after taking charge of Presidency his statements have been rather nuanced on the issue of settlements as well as regarding moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, causing some heartburn among his right-wing supporters here.

H C Gupta awarded 2-yr jail term in coal scam case

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) Former coal secretary H C Gupta was today awarded two-year-imprisonment by a special court here in a coal scam case.

Special CBI Judge Bharat Parasher also sentenced two senior government officials, K S Kropha and K C Samaria, for two-year imprisonment in the case.

Besides the jail term, the court also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each on the three convicts.

Besides them, the court imposed a fine of Rs one crore on convicted private firm Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd, while its Managing Director Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia was awarded three-year jail term by the court.

Ahluwalia will also have to pay a fine of Rs 30 lakh.

All the convicts were granted bail soon after the sentence was announced to enable them move the High Court.

Gupta and two serving senior officials were earlier convicted by the court for irregularities in the allocation of of the Thesgora-B Rudrapuri coal block in Madhya Pradesh to a private firm.